The missile was launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, without casualties reported.
An U.S. fighter aircraft successfully intercepted an anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen. The missile was aimed at a U.S. destroyer operating in the Southern Red Sea, according to an announcement from the U.S. military on Sunday.
This midair interception marks the latest incident in the Red Sea, where Houthi militants have been targeting international shipping. The Houthi rebels claim that these actions are part of a broader effort to support Palestinians facing conflict with Israeli forces in Gaza.
No injuries or damages were reported in this particular incident, as confirmed by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The missile interception occurred near the port city of Hodeidah in Yemen, as per CENTCOM’s statement released on the social media platform X.
The ongoing tension in the region has seen a series of American and British airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. These actions have prompted warnings of a “strong” response from the Iranian-backed Houthi militia.
Earlier on the same day, the Houthis raised concerns about U.S. aircraft flying in proximity to Yemeni airspace and coastal areas. Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam characterized these activities by “enemy” aircraft as a blatant violation of national sovereignty.
It remains unclear whether the reported incidents involving U.S. aircraft flying near Yemen and the missile interception are linked.
The Red Sea crisis has heightened concerns about a broader conflict in the Middle East beyond the ongoing situation in Gaza. Israel’s military actions in Gaza, aimed at dismantling the Palestinian militant group Hamas, contribute to the regional instability.
Recently, pro-Palestinian activists staged a protest at the gates of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. They expressed anger over the British base being used as a launch pad for airstrikes against the Houthi militants.
Natalia Olivia of the United for Palestine organization in Cyprus stated, “We are here because we condemn the complicity of the UK government and using Cypriot land for their agenda to support Israel in their onslaught of Gaza.”
