U.S. Navy Shoots Down Houthi Drones & Missiles While Escorting Merchant Ships In Gulf Of Aden

Two U.S. Navy destroyers, the USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106), successfully intercepted a series of missile and drone attacks launched by Houthi rebels while escorting American merchant vessels through the Gulf of Aden from November 30 to December 1, 2024.

The Navy confirmed that no ships were damaged, and no injuries were reported.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the destroyers shot down three anti-ship ballistic missiles, three drones, and one anti-ship cruise missile.

According to tracking data, the merchant vessels involved, identified as the Stena Impeccable, Maersk Saratoga, and Liberty Grace, were heading toward Djibouti and did not pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

“This is a clear example of our ongoing commitment to protecting U.S. personnel, our regional partners, and the safety of global shipping,” said CENTCOM, referring to the Navy’s efforts in defending against these Houthi attacks.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying they had targeted the U.S. warships and “three supply ships belonging to the American army.” They also warned that they would continue their attacks until Israel stops its actions in Gaza and lifts the siege.

The Gulf of Aden is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, with trillions of dollars in goods passing through it each year, making its security a top priority.

It is an essential part of the Suez Canal shipping route between the Arabian and Mediterranean Sea in the Indian Ocean, with 21,000 ships crossing the gulf annually. The route is often used to deliver Persian Gulf oil, making the Gulf an integral waterway in the world economy.

References: U.S. Centcom, AP News

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