USS Carney Intercepts Missiles and Drones Launched from Yemen

By IndraStra Global News Team

Cover Image Attribute: The file photo of USS Carney, pictured August 11, 2020. / Source: AP

 
On October 19, a United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Carney (DDG-64), successfully intercepted three land attack cruise missiles and several drones launched from Yemen, heading north along the Red Sea. While the exact targets remain unclear, there are suggestions that the projectiles may have been potentially aimed at Israel. This incident raises concerns about the ongoing volatile situation in the Middle East and the potential threats US interests face in the region.
The USS Carney, stationed in the northern Red Sea, played a critical role in thwarting the potential threat. Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon's press secretary, confirmed the interception during a press briefing. He stated that Houthi forces operating in Yemen fired these missiles and drones and were subsequently shot down over the water.
Ryder, however, was cautious not to make any definitive claims about the intended targets of these projectiles. He said, "We cannot say for certain what these missiles and drones were targeting, but they were launched from Yemen heading north along the Red Sea, potentially towards targets in Israel." An anonymous US official echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that there is no indication that the missiles were directed at the destroyer.
The decision to intercept these missiles and drones was primarily based on their perceived threat. Ryder affirmed that the United States is fully prepared to take necessary action to safeguard its regional partners and interests. Despite the successful interception, the exact nature of the intended target remains the subject of ongoing assessment.
Fortunately, the interception operation did not injure US forces or civilians on the ground. It is a testament to the readiness and capabilities of the US military in the region.
These developments are unfolding as Israel continues its military operations against Hamas targets in Gaza. The US government is closely monitoring the situation, as it is on alert for potential activities by Iran-backed regional groups. This comes after the US recently sent two aircraft carriers, around 2,000 marines, and support ships to the Middle East. The White House has clarified that there are "no plans or intentions" for their use, but these military assets are in place to protect national security interests if needed.
The Houthi rebels believed to be backed by Iran, have a history of expressing support for the Palestinian cause and making threats against Israel. Recently, demonstrations were held in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, under Houthi control, where demonstrators waved Yemeni and Palestinian flags. The rebels' slogan, "God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse of the Jews; victory to Islam," reflects their animosity towards the United States and Israel.
Last week, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi rebel group, warned the United States against intervening in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He threatened retaliation by firing drones and missiles. This threat may have been related to the recent interception incident.
In response to the interception, two Houthi officials declined to comment. One official claimed to be unaware of the incident, while the other stated he did not have the authority to speak.
The situation remains dynamic and continues to underscore the complexities and potential dangers of the Middle East. The interception of missiles and drones launched from Yemen towards an undisclosed destination raises concerns about regional stability and the safety of US interests in the area. As the situation evolves, the United States and its allies will undoubtedly remain vigilant and prepared to respond to potential threats to regional security. 

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