U.S. Destroyer Carney Intercepts Missiles: Who Was the Target?

An American official told Reuters today, Thursday, that a U.S. Navy warship cruising near Yemen intercepted several projectiles. The official stated that there were no injuries while several projectiles, including drones, were intercepted near the destroyer Carney. It was not clear what the missiles were specifically targeting. The Pentagon confirmed: "We affirm that a U.S. warship shot down 3 missiles and drones in the northern Red Sea." It added, "It cannot be said exactly what the missiles were targeting, but they were likely heading toward targets in Israel." Furthermore, it stated, "We will take necessary actions to protect our forces following attacks on American troops in Iraq and Syria." Last week, the United States sent a large naval force to the Middle East that includes aircraft carriers, support ships, and about 2,000 Marines. While the White House claims there are "no plans or intentions" to use them, this implies that U.S. military assets will be present to provide support to protect U.S. national security interests if necessary. The United States also has a network of bases in the Middle East housing forces, fighter jets, and warships. Channel 13 in Israel reported: "Estimates from Israel’s security system indicate that the missiles launched from Yemen were aimed at ‘Israel’ and were shot down by a U.S. warship."