US Navy Ship Attacked in Red Sea: Houthis Target Ships Aligned with Israel, Yemen

A US warship and multiple commercial vessels in the Red Sea were attacked near Yemen, potentially escalating the conflict in the Middle East. The attack is believed to be linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The Pentagon confirmed that it is aware of the reports and will provide information as it becomes available. The USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was included in the series of attacks, but it remains unclear what damage the vessels sustained. The British military mentioned a suspected drone attack and explosions in the Red Sea without providing further details. The Houthi military spokesman claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that the ships were targeted for being aligned with Israel. The first attacked vessel was the Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier Unity Explorer, which is owned by a British firm that includes an Israeli resident as one of its officers. The second attacked vessel was a Panamanian-flagged container ship called Number 9. The Houthis have been launching a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, as well as using drones and missiles to target Israel. The maritime conflict has raised concerns as it threatens to escalate the region’s tensions. Earlier this month, the Houthis seized a vehicle transport ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea and still hold it near the port city of Hodeida. The Houthis had not directly targeted American vessels in some time, further increasing the significance of these attacks. The US military had retaliated against Houthi-controlled territory in 2016 when missiles were fired at US Navy ships. It destroyed three coastal radar sites using Tomahawk cruise missiles. As tensions continue to rise in the region, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to these attacks.