U.S. Warship Thwarts Houthi Drone Attack in Red Sea Amid Rising Tensions

A U.S. warship, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116), intercepted multiple one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on November 23, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

“On the morning (Yemen time) of November 23, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) shot down multiple one-way attack drones launched from Houthi controlled areas in Yemen. The drones were shot down while the U.S. warship was on patrol in the Red Sea,” the U.S. CENTCOM said in a statement.

This marks the second time in two weeks that the USS Thomas Hudner has shot down drones from Yemen. The incident occurred while the warship was on patrol in the Red Sea, and no injuries or damage to the ship or its crew were reported.

The Houthi rebels, who consider themselves part of Iran's "axis of resistance," have been launching drones and missiles towards Israel. They recently seized an Israeli-linked cargo vessel and its 25-member international crew at the entrance to the Red Sea.

The USS Thomas Hudner is operating separately from the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and is currently stationed in the Red Sea. The U.S. has increased its naval presence in the region following the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7 and the subsequent conflict in Gaza.

U.S. forces have faced 66 attacks since October 17, with 32 in Iraq and 34 in Syria. The Pentagon maintains that these attacks are not directly connected to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.