For the second time in a month, US Navy destroyers have successfully intercepted and neutralized missiles and drones launched by Houthi forces in the Gulf of Aden, according to a statement released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Tuesday.
The USS Stockdale and USS O'Kane were providing escort for US merchant vessels on December 9th and 10th when they were targeted by multiple unmanned aerial systems and an anti-ship cruise missile. The Navy confirmed the successful defense against these "one-way attacks."
The image above depicts the USS O’Kane (DDG 77) alongside the Italian Navy’s ITS Raimondo Montecuccoli (P 432) in the US Central Command area of responsibility. (Official US Navy Photo)
This incident follows a similar attack repelled by US Navy vessels between November 30th and December 1st, also attributed to Iran-backed Houthi forces. CENTCOM emphasized that these defensive actions demonstrate the continued commitment of US forces to safeguarding American personnel, regional allies, and international maritime traffic from Houthi aggression, which is supported by Iran.
This image, provided by US Central Command, illustrates the context of the attacks that occurred during the vessels’ transit through the Gulf of Aden from December 9th to 10th.
CENTCOM confirmed that no American personnel were injured and the ships sustained no damage. However, these attacks on shipping continue, with Houthi militants declaring their intention to persist until Israel ceases its operations in Gaza.
