On March 5th, 2024, a series of incidents unfolded in the Red Sea between US forces and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), US forces successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple Houthi threats between the hours of 3 pm and 9:40 pm local time.
The incident unfolded in two stages:
- First, between 3 pm and 5 pm Sana'a time: CENTCOM forces successfully shot down one anti-ship ballistic missile and three unmanned aerial systems (drones) launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. These drones are described as "one-way attack" systems, possibly implying they were expendable and not designed for recovery.
- Later, between 8:45 pm and 9:40 pm: CENTCOM forces engaged and destroyed three additional anti-ship missiles and three unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in a self-defense action. These threats were also identified in Houthi-controlled areas.
CENTCOM emphasized that no injuries or damage were sustained by the USS Carney (DDG 64), a US Navy destroyer operating in the Red Sea when the initial attack took place. They further justified the actions as necessary to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of both US Navy vessels and merchant ships operating in the region.
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the Red Sea, particularly surrounding the Yemeni conflict. It further highlights the challenges faced by international maritime security efforts in the region.
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