The confrontation occurred between Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2024, while the destroyers were escorting three merchant vessels flying the flag of the United States through the Gulf of Aden.
Despite the attacks, which involved at least three anti-ship ballistic missiles, three one-way attack or suicide drones and one anti-ship cruise missiles, no injuries or damage to any vessels were reported. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the Navy destroyers intercepted and neutralized the threats, preventing harm to both civilian and military vessels. (Related: SUDDEN PEACE? Trump win causes Yemen's Houthis to halt war on U.S. Navy… for now, at least.)
The attack unfolded as USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane were escorting merchant vessels through a strategic waterway in the Gulf of Aden. The ships were approached by a group of Houthi-launched weapons, and a confrontation ensued. The U.S. Navy destroyers fired on the incoming missiles and drones, successfully disabling the threats and ensuring the safety of the vessels. CENTCOM confirmed that no one was injured in the incident, and the suspects fled the scene. A lookout alert was issued to local law enforcement, but the attackers remain at large.
This attack is just the latest in a series of confrontations between U.S. forces and the Houthis. The rebels have been targeting the region’s vital shipping lanes in an effort to disrupt international trade and military operations. Despite U.S. retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen, the group continues to pose a significant threat to maritime security.
The Houthis regularly fire anti-ship missiles, drones and other weapons at vessels transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In recent months, USS Stockdale has been involved in multiple defensive operations to repel these threats. In late September and mid-November, the destroyer successfully engaged in similar encounters, further emphasizing the growing determination of the Houthis to strike U.S. warships and disrupt naval operations.
In response to the persistent threat posed by the Houthis, the U.S. Navy, along with European allies, has deployed warships to the region to defend shipping lanes from further attacks. U.S. Navy assets, including destroyers and air support, have been actively engaged in protecting both military and commercial vessels operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis have been targeting Western military assets with increasing frequency. Their weapons are often aimed at U.S. and European warships transiting the strategic waterways of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. However, U.S. Navy ships, including USS Stockdale, have consistently managed to repel these attacks, ensuring the safety of both U.S. military personnel and civilian maritime vessels.
Despite the ongoing efforts to counter Houthi threats, the group remains resilient. The United States and its allies are concerned about the rebels' growing ability to target both military and commercial vessels.
U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, has expressed alarm over the Houthis' determination to strike U.S. and European warships in the region. These attacks reflect a broader strategic effort to undermine international shipping and military presence in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Watch this clip reporting on a recent Houthi strike against Israeli military facilities.
This video is from the Treasure Of The Sun channel on Brighteon.com.
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