Gulf of Aden: The United States military successfully repelled a Houthi attack on three US-flagged commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden.
The attack, which involved multiple cruise missiles and uncrewed aerial systems (drones), was launched from Yemen.
The US Navy responded swiftly, with two destroyers, the USS Stockdale and the USS O’Kane, intercepting the barrage. In addition, a US Navy helicopter and French Air Force aircraft helped shoot down four drones and a missile, preventing any casualties or damage to the vessels.
The vessels, which were owned and operated by the US, were en route to Djibouti when they came under attack.
CENTCOM Forces Defeat Houthi Attacks on U.S. Navy and U.S.-Flagged Ships in the Gulf of Aden.
U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 9 – 10.
The… pic.twitter.com/Jz4AtqBuEL
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 10, 2024
CENTCOM, the US Central Command overseeing military activities in the Middle East, condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of protecting regional trade and freedom of navigation.
US forces in the region have exchanged fire with the Houthis for months, as the group seeks to block certain commercial ships from travelling through the Red Sea. The group says those actions are a means of exerting pressure to end Israel’s war in Gaza, of which the US is a key ally.
Despite ongoing US efforts to stop the attacks, including strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, the group has continued to disrupt shipping in the region.
Since late 2023, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks, including 27 incidents in less than two months earlier this year.
The attack on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden is the latest in a series of attempts to target US and international shipping interests in the region.
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