Houthi rebels attack US warships with drones and missiles near Red Sea
Houthi rebels attack US warships with drones and missiles (Source: @USNavy) ( Representative image)
Two American Navy warships were attacked by Yemen-based Houthi rebels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping route connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The United States Navy confirmed that at least eight drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and three anti-ship cruise missiles were launched at the USS Stockdale and the USS Spruance on Monday (Nov 11).
The vessels shot down the projectiles and were "not damaged and no personnel were hurt," Pentagon press secretary Air Force Major Gen Pat Ryder told reporters on Tuesday (Nov 12).
The attack follows ongoing tensions in the region. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical maritime corridor, with goods worth about $1 trillion passing through each year. The Houthis have been launching similar attacks on commercial and military ships in this area, partly in response to broader regional conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Israel’s actions in Lebanon.
Impact on shipping
Attacks by the Iran-backed militant group have disrupted global shipping, with some estimates suggesting that the attacks have reduced traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait by half. The US has formed an international coalition to protect commercial vessels in the region. However, the Houthis have made it clear that they will keep up their attacks as long as the regional conflicts persist.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
The greatest fighter jets that never flew: Top 8 cancelled fighter jets that had serious potential
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who rules the skies? Meet top 10 nations with most advanced fighter jets
)
'She knows everything...': Who is mystery woman seen in viral 'kiss cam' video of Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
What is 'Kaveri Engine' and why life of India's Tejas Mk2 fighter jet depends on it?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet the top 6 aircraft carrier-based fighter jets in the world
)
Astronomer CEO Andy Byron’s wife drops last name from social media profiles, deactivates account after viral ‘kiss cam’ clip
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who is the richest golfer of all time? Check top 5 names
)
‘Not the Coldplay guy… I’d rather be dead’: Astronomer CEO Andy Byron’s namesake shares hilarious post denying Coldplay link
)
Man sneaks his wife into Business Class for sleep time, leaving flight attendant stumped
)
Boeing Dreamliner system can cut off fuel without pilot's intervention: Top aviation expert reveals amid ongoing Air India crash probe
)
‘Turned their lives upside down...’: Woman who shot Andy Byron-Kristin Cabot viral ‘kiss cam’ clip now feels bad - Here’s what she said
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Invisible, unstoppable, and instant killers: These 7 missiles redefined air warfare
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
5 greatest male tennis players of all time: Federer at no. 3, check who tops the list
)
Who is Andy Byron? Viral Astronomer CEO exposed having affair with HR Kristin Cabot - All about his company
In addition to military actions, a United Nations panel of experts has raised concerns that the Houthis may be extorting shipping companies. It is claimed that the rebels are demanding as much as $180 million a month for safe passage through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Also read |Israeli hostage calls for pressure on Netanyahu govt, video shared by Hamas ally shows
As tensions in the region continue to escalate, the security of vital shipping lanes remains a major concern for global trade.
(With inputs from agencies)