U.S. Navy Warship Shoots Down Iranian-Backed Houthi Drone near Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. military announced today that a U.S. Navy warship successfully intercepted and shot down a drone launched from Yemen by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The incident occurred as the USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, was escorting the USNS Supply and another U.S. flagged ship carrying military equipment through the southern Red Sea towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Interception of an Iranian-made Drone

The targeted drone, identified as an Iranian-made KAS-04, was initially launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen and was heading directly towards the warship. Fortunately, there were no injuries to U.S personnel or damage to any ships involved.

This event follows a similar occurrence where an Iranian drone flew within 1,500 yards of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier as it conducted flight operations in international waters in the Arabian Gulf. In both instances, the drones had violated safety protocols and disregarded multiple warnings.

Red Sea: A Strategic Trade Route

The Red Sea, spanning from Egypt's Suez Canal to the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait, serves as a critical trade route for global shipping and energy supplies. The U.S. Navy has positioned multiple ships in the region, intensifying security measures since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7th.

It is imperative for the international community to closely monitor and address these mounting threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels to ensure the safety and security of crucial maritime activities.