US Navy Ship Downs Drone Launched from Yemen

Reuters reported, citing two American officials, that on Wednesday, November 15, a US Navy warship shot down a drone launched from Yemen in the Red Sea. This is the second time since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas that the US has intercepted projectiles near its warships. Washington is on high alert regarding the activities of Iran-backed groups amid rising regional tensions. The officials, who requested anonymity, told Reuters that the destroyer 'Thomas Hudner' downed the drone early in the local morning. They did not specify whether the drone was armed or how close it had come to the ship before being shot down. Last month, another US warship intercepted four cruise missiles and 15 drones launched by Iran-aligned Houthis from Yemen towards Israel. The leader of the Houthis stated on Tuesday, November 14, that his forces would continue their attacks on Israel and could target Israeli ships in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Last week, the Houthis shot down a US Army MQ-9 drone while it was in international airspace. Since 2015, the Houthis have been at war with a Saudi-led coalition, becoming a significant military force in the Arabian Peninsula with tens of thousands of fighters and a vast arsenal of ballistic missiles and armed drones. Last month, the US sent naval forces, including two aircraft carriers, support ships, and thousands of American troops to the Middle East. In response to a series of attacks against American forces in Iraq and Syria, the US conducted three airstrikes against Iran-aligned militants in Syria. The Pentagon stated that American and coalition forces have been attacked at least 55 times in Iraq and Syria since October 16, resulting in 58 personnel injuries. Statements apparently issued by militia groups claim these attacks are in retaliation for US support of Israel in its war with Hamas. Reuters reported that the US military is taking new measures to protect its forces in the Middle East amid an escalation of attacks by Iran-backed groups. American officials told Reuters that these measures include increasing military patrols, restricting access to bases, and enhancing intelligence gathering, including through drones and other surveillance operations.