US warship spotted near Yemen intercepts several missiles amidst crisis in the Middle East

#IsraelPalestineConflict #USA #War

A U.S. Navy warship successfully intercepts three missiles launched from Yemen, amid heightened Middle East tensions
Tensions rise as Houthi rebels threaten Israel, prompting U.S. Navy action
President Biden to seek additional military assistance for Israel and Ukraine in a rare Oval Office address

Written By:Jenel Treza

Updated: October 19 2023 04:26:09 PM ET

A U.S. Navy destroyer, USS Carney, intercepted three missiles fired from Yemen in the Red Sea amid heightened Middle East tensions.

The USS Carney, successfully intercepted three missiles that had been launched from Yemen and were traveling north during a tense time in the Middle East. On Thursday, US officials acknowledged the incident.

🚨 BREAKING: Missiles destroyed by U.S. Navy destroyer USS Carney were launched from Yemen and were heading north, “potentially towards targets in Israel”.

pic.twitter.com/GcVCKIM2Cz

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 19, 2023

The missiles’ precise objectives were not immediately evident. While it was unclear whether the missiles were directed at Israel, one US official claimed that they were not believed to be aimed at the Navy destroyer.

Also read | Who is Laura Malo, survivor of Hamas attack at music festival in Israel? Watch video

These developments occurred against the backdrop of rising regional tensions caused by the continuing Israel-Hamas conflict. The missile launches are believed to have been carried out by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who have voiced support for Palestinians and issued threats against Israel.

The USS Carney (DDG-64) a Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer with the U.S. Navy is reported to have Detected 3 Missiles heading Northward last night while in the Red Sea near the Coast of Yemen with all Missiles being Intercepted using RIM-66M Surface-to-Air Missiles; the Missiles are… pic.twitter.com/ID0MPKrKUk
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 19, 2023

Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which is still occupied by Houthi rebels fighting a Saudi-led coalition, saw demonstrations last week with Yemeni and Palestinian flags flying. The long-standing slogan of the insurgents combines anti-American and anti-Israel undertones.

The Houthi rebel group’s leader, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi, issued a warning to the US, cautioning against interfering in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and threatening vengeance with drones and missiles.

Also read | MTV Europe Music Awards 2023 cancelled amidst Israel-Gaza crisis

These events occurred just hours before President Joe Biden was scheduled to deliver a rare Oval Office address. President Biden was anticipated to seek extra military support funds for both Israel and Ukraine in his address, extending American participation in two diverse and unpredictable foreign wars.

The President’s address was intended to signal that the US sees an obligation and a national security interest in these regions, while additionally serving as a chance to urge legislators for the necessary financial support.