Missiles fired toward US Navy warship during distress response in Middle East, officials say

Two ballistic missiles were fired from Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen in the direction of a U.S. Navy warship as it responded to a distress call from a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Aden, the Pentagon said late Sunday. 

The USS Mason, along with allied ships, responded to a distress call from the commercial vessel, the Central Park, which reported “that they were under attack by an unknown entity,” according to a statement from U.S. Central Command. 

Upon arrival at the scene, the Mason and other ships demanded the release of the Central Park, after which five armed individuals debarked the vessel and attempted to flee via a small boat.  

“The MASON pursued the attackers resulting in their eventual surrender,” the release states, noting that the crew of the Central Park is safe.