The United States (US) Navy reported that an American destroyer was hit by drones and a missile after repelling a drone and missile attack sent by Houthi rebels towards the Red Sea.[1] The March 5, 2024 attack was reportedly directed against the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer involved in the American campaign against the Hamas-Israel war in the Gaza Strip. The Houthi attack reportedly involved bomb-carrying drones and an anti-ship ballistic missile.[2]
The US then launched an airstrike that destroyed three anti-ship missiles and three bomb-carrying drone boats. Houthi military spokesman Major General Yahya Saree confirmed the attack. However, he claimed that his forces had targeted two American warships. Saree acknowledged the attacks, but later denied the American airstrikes.[3]
The Houthi rebels have not provided an assessment of the damage they have suffered in the US-led airstrikes that began in January 2024, but have announced the deaths of at least 22 of their fighters. Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. These include at least one cargo ship bound for Iran, the Houthis’ main benefactor, and an aid ship bound for Houthi-controlled territory.[4]
Despite US-led airstrikes, Houthi rebels have continued to carry out significant attacks. These include an attack on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer last month and the sinking of the Rubymar on March 2, 2024, after it drifted for several days. They also include the downing of an American drone worth tens of millions of dollars.[5]
On the other hand, the Indian Navy released images of personnel from the INS Kolkata responding to the fire on board the MSC Sky II, which was targeted by the Houthis in the Gulf of Aden on March 4, 2024. Smoke came out of a container on board due to the impact of the Houthi missile. “The missile caused a small fire, but the crew was not injured,” said the Mediterranean Shipping Company, a Swiss-based company that said the missile hit the ship, which was on its way from China to Djibouti.[6]
This incident reflects a complex situation centered on international maritime security issues as well as conflict dynamics in the Middle East. The Houthi attack on the American warship is an escalation of tensions in the region. In particular, the increasing influence of the Houthis as a regional actor in the context of the civil war in Yemen is considered as a factor that increases instability in the Middle East.
The US Navy’s ability to respond to such attacks is critical to international maritime security and regional stability. This incident can be seen as a reflection of the US commitment to protect its interests in the Middle East and support its allies in the region. If the Houthis continue to carry out such attacks, it could increase tensions in the region and have a negative impact on international maritime trade.
The Houthi rebels’ attack on the American warship highlights the complexity of conflicts in the region and America’s role in the Middle East. Such attacks against American forces can increase regional instability and shape American foreign policy. It could also affect America’s efforts to strengthen relations with its allies in the Middle East and protect its interests in the region.
On the other hand, the Indian Navy’s response to a fire on a ship targeted by Houthi rebels provides a broad perspective on international maritime security and maritime operations. Such incidents underscore the importance of maritime security and humanitarian assistance and call for the international community’s cooperation and coordination on maritime security.
The Indian Navy’s response to the incident demonstrates New Delhi’s engagement in regional security issues and its commitment to international maritime security. India’s contribution to regional maritime security is considered an important element for maritime trade and humanitarian operations in the region. Such operations can strengthen India’s claim to regional leadership and contribute to the country playing a more active role in the international arena.
As a result, these events are important indicators of regional stability and international maritime security. Conflict dynamics in the Middle East and international maritime security are critical issues that require the attention of the international community and need to be addressed on an ongoing basis. Such incidents highlight the need for broader cooperation of the international community and efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully.
[1] “US Destroyer Shoots Down Missile and Drones Launched By Yemen’s Houthi Rebels”, ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/us-destroyer-shoots-missile-drones-launched-yemens-houthi-107829276, (Accessed: 06.03.2024).
[2] “US Destroyer Shoots Down Missile and Drones Launched By Yemen’s Houthi Rebels”, U.S. News, https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-03-05/us-destroyer-shoots-down-missile-and-drones-launched-by-yemens-houthi-rebels, (Accessed: 06.03.2024).
[3] “US Destroyer Shoots Down Missile and Drones Launched By Yemen’s Houthi Rebels”, Canoe, https://canoe.com/news/world/u-s-destroyer-shoots-down-missile-and-drones-launched-by-yemens-houthi-rebels, (Accessed: 06.03.2024).
[4] “US Destroyer Shoots Down Missile and Drones Launched By Yemen’s Houthi Rebels”, Dayton Daily News, https://www.daytondailynews.com/nation-world/us-destroyer-shoots-down-missile-and-drones-launched-by-yemens-houthi-rebels/BPPF377F2RB73AKIGG5VZES6BY/, (Accessed: 06.03.2024).
[5] “US Destroyer Shoots Down Missile and Drones Launched By Yemen’s Houthi Rebels”, Access Wdun, https://accesswdun.com/article/2024/3/1231423, (Accessed: 06.03.2024).
[6] “US Destroyer Shoots Down Missile and Drones Launched By Yemen’s Houthi Rebels”, ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/us-destroyer-shoots-missile-drones-launched-yemens-houthi-107829276, (Accessed: 06.03.2024).
