In a significant escalation of maritime threats, the USS Carney, a U.S. Navy destroyer, successfully intercepted and shot down three drones in the Red Sea on Sunday. The attacks, carried out by Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis, targeted several commercial ships in international waters, posing a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security. The USS Carney responded to distress calls from the ships, which had connections to 14 nations, including the UK. The vessels, including the cargo ship M/V Unity Explorer and two bulk carriers, M/V Number 9 and M/V Sophie II, came under missile strikes.

While the M/V Unity Explorer reported minor damage, the other ships faced varying degrees of damage. These attacks highlight the complexity of regional tensions, as the Houthi rebels claimed the attacks were in response to alleged Israeli aggression against their allies in the Gaza Strip. However, the targeted vessels had no connection to Israel. The U.S. military expressed concern that the attacks, though launched by the Houthi rebels, were fully enabled by Iran. The United States is considering appropriate responses in coordination with international allies and partners.

This incident follows a pattern of Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, with the U.S. Navy actively engaged in protecting commercial ships. The situation remains volatile, and the international community is closely monitoring developments amid rising concerns over Iran's involvement in enabling these maritime attacks. According to U.S. Central Command, the USS Carney detected a ballistic missile fired from a Houthi-controlled area, intercepting it before it reached the M/V Unity Explorer. The destroyer also shot down multiple drones launched from Yemen, effectively protecting the targeted ships from further damage.

The Carney has previously shot down Houthi-fired rockets toward Israel during the ongoing conflict without sustaining damage or injuries. The Houthi military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that the vessels were hit by missiles and drones while passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. However, Saree did not mention any U.S. warship involvement in the attack. The attacks on these vessels mark a worrying escalation in the maritime conflict linked to the Israel-Hamas war. Global shipping has increasingly become a target as tensions rise in the region.

Despite a temporary truce, the collapse of the ceasefire and the resumption of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have heightened the risk of further seaborne attacks. It is crucial for international commerce and maritime security that appropriate measures are taken to address these threats. The United States and its allies will continue to closely monitor the situation and determine the necessary responses to ensure the safety of commercial vessels in the region.