U.S. destroyer, vessels linked to Israel attacked in the Red Sea
The American warship USS Carney fought off an attack in the Red Sea on Sunday as tensions in the region continued escalating during the Israel-Hamas war.
“We’re aware of reports regarding attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and will provide information as it becomes available,” the Pentagon said, also referencing attacks on two cargo ships with reported links to Israel.
The Houthi rebel group in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attacks on the commercial vessels but did not mention targeting a U.S. ship. The Houthis carried out the attacks in solidarity with their “steadfast brothers” in Gaza, the group said in a statement. The rebel group is supported by Iran and has launched various assaults in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.
Sunday’s attack on the USS Carney began around 10 a.m. local time and lasted for about five hours, a U.S. defense official told The Associated Press. The destroyer shot down at least two drones during the confrontation.
Also in the latest attacks, the Houthis targeted the bulk carrier Unity Explorer and the container ship Number 9. The Unity Explorer is owned by a British conglomerate that includes Israeli resident Dan David Ungar, son of Israeli billionaire Abraham “Rami” Ungar. Number 9 is linked to Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement.
Along with drone attacks, the Houthis seized a ship in late November in a daring pirate attack. The Galaxy Leader was boarded on Nov. 20 and now sits near the port city of Hodeida. It also has ties to Abraham Ungar.
About a week later, the Houthis briefly seized another ship, the Liberian-flagged Central Park. However, when U.S. forces arrived on the scene, the rebels attempted to flee and were quickly captured.
The Houthis issued a “warning to all Israeli ships or those associated with Israelis that they will become a legitimate target” as long as the war continues and they travel near Yemen.
No one connected to either of the cargo ships immediately commented on Sunday’s events.