U.S. Destroyer Shoots Down 3 Drones After Attacks Targeting Ships in the Red Sea

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that an American destroyer shot down several drones while providing support to commercial ships in the Red Sea that were targeted by attacks from Yemen. CENTCOM stated in a statement, "Today, four attacks occurred on three commercial vessels sailing separately in international waters south of the Red Sea." The statement added, "The USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, responded to distress calls from the ships and provided assistance," and shot down three drones that were heading toward the destroyer during the day. The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) had previously stated that a U.S. warship and several commercial vessels were attacked in the Red Sea on Sunday. The Pentagon said, "We are aware of reports regarding the attacks on the U.S. destroyer USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, and we will provide information as it becomes available." The U.S. announcement indicates an escalation in a series of maritime attacks in the Middle East, linked to the violent Israeli escalation in the Gaza Strip. The British military previously reported a drone attack and explosions in the Red Sea, without going into detail. The Red Sea has witnessed a series of Houthi attacks on ships, as well as drone and missile launches targeting Israel, which is waging war on Gaza.