US warship responds to attacks on ships in Red Sea, shoots down drones

On Sunday, Dec. 3, three commercial ships with ties to 14 countries were attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, according to a U.S. Central Command report. Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, reportedly fired ballistic missiles at the three ships over about eight hours.

According to U.S. Central Command, the first missile that was fired at 9:15 am local time was detected by the Arleigh-Burke Class destroyer USS Carney and landed near the U.K.-owned commercial ship Unity Explorer. Hours later, a missile fired from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen hit the Unity Explorer, causing minor damage.

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Later, on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 3, two other commercial ships that were attacked signaled the USS Carney and said they, too, were hit with ballistic missiles.

According to the report, the USS Carney shot down three drones in self-defense, though it was not clear if the warship was the target of any specific attacks. Minor damage was reported as a result of the hours-long assault. In a statement, the U.S. military called these attacks a threat maritime security.

“These attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security,” U.S. Central Command said in a report. “They have jeopardized the lives of international crews representing multiple countries around the world.”

U.S. Central Command went on and said that while Iran was not directly responsible for the attacks, the Middle Eastern nation played a role.

“We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran,” the report read. “The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners.”