In Washington D.C., the Pentagon has announced that a US Navy vessel successfully intercepted and destroyed missiles and drones launched by Houthi militia from Yemen, potentially aimed at Israel. The USS Carney, a destroyer, was on patrol in the Red Sea as part of a strengthened US military presence ordered by President Joe Biden to maintain stability in the region following the conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip.
The missiles were fired from Yemen, where Houthi forces, backed by Iran, are in conflict with a government supported by an Arab coalition. Fortunately, there were no US casualties, and while the exact targets of the missiles remain uncertain, the US responded defensively to the potential threat, aiming to protect regional interests and deter the expansion of the conflict that began with Hamas’ attack on Israeli civilians.
To address the situation, President Biden has increased the deployment of air and naval assets, including dispatching two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. Additionally, 2,000 personnel have been placed on standby for potential deployment, with a focus on support roles such as medical assistance and explosives handling.
President Biden’s visit to Israel underscored US support, and he is expected to address Congress to request military backing for Israel and Ukraine. There have been discussions between the US and Israeli military about potential responses to a Hezbollah attack, but Biden clarified that the US is not committed to fighting alongside Israeli troops in such a scenario.
Source: Reuters