Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a missile at the US warship USS Carney in the Gulf of Aden, prompting the ship to shoot down the projectile, marking an escalation in maritime confrontations in the Middle East, Associated Press reports.
The Houthis targeted the US warship directly for the first time since their assaults on shipping began in October, representing a significant escalation in their Red Sea campaign, with the Houthis also striking a British vessel. The attacks are part of the rebel group’s campaign to disrupt global trade amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The US and Britain have launched airstrikes against Houthi missile depots and launch sites in Yemen. The rebels now threaten to target American and British ships, leading to increased tensions in the region.
