Navy Responds to More Houthi Missile Attacks in the Red Sea, US Says ‘Fully Enabled by Iran’

Three commercial ships were attacked in the Red Sea on Sunday by drones and missiles from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, prompting a U.S. Navy response.

The Details: Three Israeli-linked commercial ships were struck by missiles, and the USS Carney downed three drones in defense. Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for two of the attacks. The Pentagon, who pointed the finger at Iran for enabling the attacks, initially described the incident as an attack on the USS Carney before providing more details.

For Context: The instance is the latest escalation from the Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthis, who have declared war on Israel, and hijacked several Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea over the past few weeks. The U.S. Navy has been involved in multiple instances.

Key Quotes: A Houthi military spokesman said, “The Yemeni armed forces continue to prevent Israeli ships from navigating the Red Sea (and Gulf of Aden) until the Israeli aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops.” U.S. Central Command said, “We… have every reason to believe that these attacks… are fully enabled by Iran. The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners.”

How The Media Covered It: Wall Street Journal (Center bias) said the U.S. ship was attacked directly by the Houthis, per the Pentagon. Associated Press (Lean Left bias) did not say this, but included that the Pentagon initially reported this.