Pentagon officials confirmed Thursday that an American Navy destroyer had intercepted several missiles in the vicinity of Yemen’s coast. It was not clear which missiles they were aimed at.
U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed Thursday that the crew of the USS Carney, a guided missile destroyer operating in the Northern Red Sea, shot down three land attack cruise missiles and several drones that were launched by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen.
Ryder said that no U.S. soldiers or civilians were killed in the action. We are still processing information about these engagements and cannot say for certain what missiles or UAVs were targeted.
Ryder said that the missiles were launched from Yemen and “potentially headed” north along the Red Sea to targets in Israel.
Ryder stated that the U.S. Military had responded in the same manner to any similar threats in this region.
“This attack may be ongoing,” he said. “As Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has made clear, we have the capability to defend our broader interests in the region.”
Ryder stated, “The crew of the Carney did just that. We will be vigilant in the entire force against any potential threats.”
To prevent a bigger conflict, maintain stability, and safeguard national security interests, the Department of Defense began bolstering its forces in the Middle East.