U.S. Navy Destroys Houthi Attacks On U.S. Flagged Ships In Gulf Of Aden

U.S. Navy destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) intercepted a series of Houthi-launched attacks in the Gulf of Aden while escorting three U.S.-owned, flagged and operated merchant vessels on December 9 and 10, 2024.

The destroyers were attacked by several one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS) and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM). Fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported to any vessels, civilians, or U.S. naval personnel.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the destroyers had previously defeated similar attacks just days before, between November 30 and December 1.

In that incident, the USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane intercepted three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), three OWA UAS, and one ASCM while escorting three U.S.-flagged merchant ships.

The vessels under protection during both sets of attacks included the Maersk Saratoga containership, a tanker participating in the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Tanker Security Program, the Stena Impeccable, and the Liberty Grace bulk carrier.

AIS data showed all three vessels were bound for Djibouti, and all were unharmed, with no casualties or damage reported.

While the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacking three American supply vessels and two U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Aden, CENTCOM confirmed that the destroyers successfully intercepted the range of Houthi-launched weapons, ensuring the safety of the ships, their crews, and civilian vessels in the area.

The Houthis have stated that their continued attacks are aimed at ending what they call the “aggression” against Yemen, until the lifting of the siege on the Gaza Strip.

Neither CENTCOM nor the Houthis identified the specific ships involved in the latest operation between December 9 and 10.

However, the vessels that were previously attacked on November 30 and December 1 have not transmitted AIS signals for over a week, signalling potential evasive measures by the ships.

Reference: U.S. Centcom

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