Houthis Target US Navy Destroyer With Close-Range Ballistic Missile
Houthis fired a close-range ballistic missile towards the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Laboon, on March 12, 2024.
The missile did not hit the destroyer, nor have any casualties been reported.
The two unmanned aerial systems launched from Houthi territories in Yemen were destroyed by US Centcom along with a coalition vessel.
The actions were carried out in response to these weapons' perceived threat to commercial and US Navy ships.
The Houthis have targeted cargo ships in the Red Sea that are either owned or operated by Israeli companies or that transport goods to and from Israel, claiming solidarity with Gaza.
In response to Houthi attacks, the U.S. and the UK have been conducting airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen since January 12.
Hence, Houthis have declared all American and British ships as military targets.
Attacks on ships in the Red Sea have caused commercial interruptions, sparking concerns about supply chain disruptions and inflation.
The Red Sea is a vital shipping route, and being unable to access it means ships must take a longer trip around Africa.