Houthis Launch Close-Range Ballistic Missile Toward US Navy Destroyer

In the most recent incident in the Red Sea, the Yemeni Houthis fired a close-range ballistic missile from the Houthi Controlled region towards the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Laboon, on March 12 2024. The missile has not affected the destroyer, nor have any casualties been reported.

The two unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that were launched from Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen were intercepted and destroyed by a US Centcom along with a coalition vessel. These actions were carried out in response to the perceived imminent threat that these weapons posed to both commercial and US Navy ships in the region.

The Houthis have targeted cargo ships in the Red Sea that are either owned or operated by Israeli companies or that transport goods to and from Israel, claiming solidarity with the Gaza Strip. The Houthis intend to force Israel to stop the attacks.

In response to the Houthi group’s attacks, the United States and the United Kingdom have been conducting airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen since January 12. All American and British ships have been declared military targets by the Houthis in retaliation.

Attacks on vessels in the Red Sea have caused commercial interruptions and sparked worries about possible supply chain disruptions and inflation. The Red Sea is a crucial route for fuel and oil supplies.

Reference: Centcom

Houthis Launch Close-Range Ballistic Missile Toward US Navy Destroyer appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News