(DailyAnswer.org) – Three U.S. warships were attacked near Yemen last Friday by Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. These rebels have been causing problems in the region by disrupting commercial shipping. Thankfully, no one on board was hurt during the incident, but the attack has raised new concerns about safety in the area.
According to U.S. officials, the warships managed to shoot down nearly two dozen missiles and drones while passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a narrow but important waterway that connects the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. The ships involved were the USS Stockdale, USS Spruance, and the USS Indianapolis. None of these ships were hit, but they faced a heavy barrage of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.
The Houthis have been a constant threat to both commercial and military ships in the area, particularly since Israel’s war against Hamas grew more intense. This recent attack is just one of many that have occurred since October 7, 2023, when the conflict in Israel escalated. Since then, the rebels have targeted both U.S. and allied ships, causing the number of commercial ships passing through the Red Sea to drop by 90%.
In response, the U.S. has carried out strikes against Houthi militants multiple times. Despite these efforts, the attacks have continued, and tensions are rising. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker criticized the Biden administration for not doing enough to stop the Houthis. He called their actions “an act of war” and pushed for stronger retaliation.
Earlier this year, the Houthis also attacked a Greek-flagged oil tanker. The ship carried a massive amount of oil, but there was no major spill, and the fires on board were contained. Still, the attack has added to the growing unrest in the region.
U.S. military officials remain confident in their missile defense systems, which have been essential in protecting warships from these ongoing attacks. Retired Navy Vice Admiral James Syring emphasized how important it is to continue investing in these defense systems, calling them vital for security.
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