The US military says it has destroyed a Houthi missile that targeted one of its destroyers in the Red Sea.
Houthi rebels in Yemen do not give the impression of wanting to release ballast in the Red Sea. Sunday, January 14, around 4:45 pm local time (2:45 pm Paris time), “An anti-ship cruise missile (being) taken from areas (controlled by) Iran-backed Houthi terrorists towards the “USS Laboon”.An American destroyer, operating in the southern Red Sea, communicated to the US Military Command in the Middle East (CENTCOM). “The missile was shot down near the coast of Hodeidah (in western Yemen) By American Fighter Plane »CentCom added, clarifying that there were no injuries or damage.
The attack appears to be the first to target a US destroyer, amid attacks by Yemeni rebels in the Red Sea against ships they believe are linked to Israel. were attacked in “unity” With Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel and Hamas are at war after a deadly attack by the Palestinian movement on Israeli soil on October 7.
Washington denied Houthi media reports “American-British Strike” Sunday was carried out against the port city of Hodeida. “No US or coalition strikes today”On Sunday, a US official said on condition of anonymity.
Fear of escalating conflict
US and British forces attacked Houthi targets across Yemen on Friday, fueling fears of a regional spread of the war between Israel and Hamas. The rebels then opened fire “At least one missile” Which, however, did not hit any ships, the US military said. Then, on Saturday morning, a new American strike was carried out on a radar site in Yemen, the same source reported.
About 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea, but since mid-November, Houthi attacks have forced many shipping companies to avoid the area and take the longer route around the tip of Africa, costing additional transit costs and longer transit times. Delivery time.
