US Naval Vessel Successfully Intercepted and Destroyed Two Houthi Missiles from Yemen in the Red Sea

A US warship has successfully intercepted and shot down two missiles fired from Yemen after receiving a distress call from a container ship that had been attacked in the Red Sea. Both missiles were launched from areas controlled by the Houthi rebel group, and the US military reported that this was the first successful strike since a global patrol was initiated in December. The Houthis have been targeting ships in the Red Sea since November, claiming that their attacks are directed at vessels linked to Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza. The attacked container ship, the Maersk Hangzhou, is registered in Singapore and owned by a Danish company. No injuries were reported on board, and the ship was found to be seaworthy. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported a separate incident in the Red Sea involving an unidentified ship that experienced a loud bang and flashes on its bow but managed to escape the area unharmed. These increasing Houthi attacks have led many shipping companies to redirect their vessels away from the Red Sea, taking a longer route around Africa instead. This region is of significant importance as it connects European and Asian markets and is a crucial route for transporting oil and liquefied natural gas from the Middle East.