Two U.S. Navy destroyers, the USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane, intercepted and destroyed seven missiles and drones fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden over the weekend. The attack targeted the destroyers and three U.S.-flagged merchant vessels they were escorting. No injuries or damage were reported, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐂𝐎𝐌 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐢 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐔. 𝐒. 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔. 𝐒.-𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐧 pic.twitter.com/7qPxwAdLkl
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 2, 2024
The Houthis fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles, three drones, and one anti-ship cruise missile. All were successfully neutralized by the destroyers, which ensured the safety of the vessels and their crews. The attack is part of ongoing Houthi efforts to disrupt shipping in the region, which has seen increased hostilities amid the broader Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Gulf of Aden, a critical shipping route for global trade, has been a frequent target of Houthi attacks. The rebels claim these actions are in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. This latest incident follows U.S. airstrikes in mid-November on Houthi-controlled weapons facilities in Yemen, aimed at countering similar threats.
CENTCOM emphasized the Navy’s commitment to protecting international shipping and regional stabiliy.
