The U.S. Navy successfully took down multiple missiles and drones coming from Yemen. Two defense officials claim that these projectiles were possibly targeting Israel.
Pentagon said that a U.S. Navy warship, which is currently operating in the Middle East, intercepted the missiles on Thursday, Oct. 19.
US Navy Shoots Down Missiles, Drones From Yemen
CNN Politics reported that around two to three missiles were successfully intercepted by the USS Carney. On the other hand, the estimated number of drones was not provided by the Pentagon.
U.S. officials claim that these projectiles were fired by Iranian-supported Houthi militants, who are having a conflict in Yemen.
"We cannot say for certain what these drones and missiles were targeting, but they were launched from Yemen and heading north along the Red Sea, potentially towards targets in Israel," said Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder via CBS News.
"There were no casualties to US forces and none that we know of to any civilians on the ground," clarified Ryder.
On the other hand, another Pentagon official said that it is unlikely that the missiles were targeting the USS Carney warship.
For those who are unaware of Houthi, these rebels, who are at war with a Saudi-led coalition, are known to express support for the Palestinians who are threatened by Israel. Last week, this militant group showed just that in the Sanaa city of Yemen.
Many demonstrators crowded the Sanaa streets while waving Palestinian and Yemeni flags while Houthi rebels were showing their slogan, which says "God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; the curse of the Jews; victory to Islam."
What US Navy's Latest Missile Interception Means
Ryder explained that the latest missile and drone interceptions by the U.S. Navy are demonstrations of integrated missile and air defense architecture that America has built in the Middle East.
The Pentagon press secretary further explained that it is a message to terrorists that the United States is prepared to utilize these defenses whenever necessary to protect America's partners, as well as the nation's interest in the region.
But, Ryder explained that the intercepted missiles and drones from Yemen should not be linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza since this war is completely different from what's happening in Yemen.
He added that the U.S. will take the issue in Yemen seriously as well, but they will not overreact.
