DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: U.S. Navy destroyers successfully intercepted and destroyed seven Houthi-launched missiles and drones targeting American naval and commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden. According to a statement from U.S. Central Command, the USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane were instrumental in this operation, effectively neutralizing three anti-ship ballistic missiles, three drones, and one anti-ship cruise missile.
The engagement ensured that no damage was inflicted, and no injuries were reported among the naval personnel or aboard the three accompanying U.S. merchant vessels.
The Houthi group, in response, claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that their targets included the U.S. destroyers and “three supply ships belonging to the American army.” This incident is part of an ongoing series of attacks by the Houthis on maritime traffic in a strategic waterway through which approximately $1 trillion worth of goods transit each year, amidst tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
This isn’t the first encounter for the USS Stockdale, which was also involved in repelling a similar attack in November.
