The USS Carney, a U.S. warship, took decisive action in the Red Sea, intercepting three Houthi drones aimed at commercial vessels. This response came after Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, launched attacks on three separate vessels, which CENTCOM described as a “direct threat to international commerce and maritime security.” The USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was near the Bab al-Mandab Strait when it detected the threat, successfully protecting the Unity Explorer, a UK-operated vessel, among others. Despite these defensive actions, two other vessels, Number 9 and Sophie II, were struck by missiles. CENTCOM’s statement stressed the involvement of Iran in the attacks, with the implication that the U.S. is considering responses in coordination with international allies. This incident marks a concerning escalation in a series of maritime conflicts in the Middle East, intertwined with the broader tensions of the Israel-Hamas war.