CENTCOM: American Destroyer Shot Down Houthi Missile Supported by the Islamic Republic

The United States Central Command, CENTCOM, reported on Friday, January 26, that a missile attack by Houthi militants supported by the Islamic Republic targeted the USS Carney destroyer. CENTCOM announced that the American destroyer successfully intercepted the Houthi missile, and this missile attack did not result in any casualties or financial damage. According to CENTCOM, the Houthis launched a ship-to-shore ballistic missile at the USS Carney around 1:30 PM local time from areas under their control in Yemen. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, two American-flagged vessels carrying cargo for the U.S. Department of Defense and State Department were also attacked near Yemen. In this context, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the Iran-backed Houthis fired three ship-to-ship ballistic missiles at the cargo ships 'Maersk Detroit' and 'Maersk Chesapeake', one of which hit its target while the other two were intercepted and destroyed. The statement noted that there were no casualties or material damage. Many Western experts believe that the Houthi attacks on ships are carried out at the behest of the Islamic Republic and with military and intelligence support from Tehran. The Houthis claim that these attacks are conducted in support of the people of Gaza. Some critics of President Joe Biden's administration have called for the U.S. government to directly attack Islamic Republic positions in response to the increasing attacks on American forces in the Middle East and Houthi actions. Mitch McConnell, the Republican minority leader in the U.S. Senate, criticized the U.S. attacks on Houthi positions, stating that these attacks were 'hesitant and cross' against 'less valuable positions of Houthi terrorists'. The U.S. recently announced that it seized a maritime shipment containing Iranian weapons used in Houthi attacks on ships. The Biden administration, along with Britain and supported by dozens of other countries, has targeted the positions of this group in response to Houthi attacks on vessels passing through the Red Sea. Biden administration officials have repeatedly warned that Washington will not hesitate to defend American interests and soldiers, as well as its regional allies and partners, against attacks from the Islamic Republic and Iranian proxy groups. The U.S. and Britain have sanctioned four senior military officials of the Houthi group. The Houthis have warned American and British citizens to leave Yemen within 30 days. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Houthis are being equipped with advanced Iranian weapons. The U.S. and Britain have once again attacked 'Houthi targets' in Yemen. The U.S. stated that the Houthi claim of a 'successful attack' on an American ship is 'clearly false'. A senior U.S. military official stated that the Islamic Republic has a 'direct role' in Houthi attacks on ships. Reuters reported that the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah are assisting the Houthis in their attacks in the Red Sea. The White House confirmed that the U.S. targeted Houthi positions three times on Friday. The Houthis promised maritime security in the Red Sea to Russia and China. India reported that it rescued 22 crew members of an American ship after the Houthi attack. The U.S. has again attacked Houthi positions; CENTCOM stated that it destroyed fourteen Houthi missiles ready for launch. Another commercial vessel was attacked in the Gulf of Aden.