US Navy shoots down three missiles fired at American container ship by Houthis

24 January 2024 , 19:11

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A US Navy ship responded after Houthi terrorists fired missiles at a container ship (Image: Getty Images)

Houthi terrorists launched three missiles at an American container ship - but the US Navy dramatically shot them down.

The US Central Command revealed that the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired the missiles from areas of Yemen they control towards the US Navy container ship M/V Maersk Detroit.

The command said on Twitter: "On Jan. 24 at approximately 2 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the U.S.-flagged, owned, and operated container ship M/V Maersk Detroit, transiting the Gulf of Aden."

READ MORE: UK and US militaries launch fresh airstrikes on Houthi missile sites in Yemen

The US Navy hit back at the missiles (US NAVY/AFP via Getty Images)

"One missile landed in the sea. The USS Gravely (DDG 107) successfully engaged and shot down the other two missiles. There were no reported injuries or damage to the ship."

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This incident follows the US and British militaries bombing multiple targets in eight locations used by Houthis in Yemen on Monday night. This was the second time the two allies have conducted coordinated retaliatory strikes on the rebels' missile-launching capabilities.

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*** BESTPIX *** TOPSHOT - Huthi fighters brandish their weapons during a protest following US and British forces strikes, in the Huthi-controlled capital Sanaa on January 12, 2024 amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the militant Hamas group in Gaza. US and British forces struck rebel-held Yemen early on January 12, after weeks of disruptive attacks on Red Sea shipping by the Iran-backed Huthis who say they act in solidarity with Gaza. The pre-dawn air strikes add to escalating fears of wider conflict in the region, where violence involving Tehran-aligned groups in Yemen as well as Lebanon, Iraq and Syria has surged since the Israel-Hamas was began in early October. (Photo by MOHAMMED HUWAIS / AFP) (Photo by MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

Officials have said that the US and UK used missiles, launched from submarines and warships, as well as fighter jets to get rid of missile storage spots, drones, and launchers linked to Houthi. These officials, who chose to stay anonymous when discussing military activities, mentioned that Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands also assisted in the mission with intel and surveillance.

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Six allied nations made a joint statement saying the strikes were directed at a Houthi underground storage place and places connected to the Houthis' missile and air surveillance abilities. They stated: "Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let us reiterate our warning to Houthi leadership: we will not hesitate to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways in the face of continued threats."

According to a senior U.S. military official, between 25 and 30 munitions were dropped on each target. The same official added that the U.S. "observed good impacts and effects" at all sites, including the elimination of more sophisticated weapons in the underground storage facility. The weapons destroyed were the first of their kind to be targeted.

Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles (YAHYA ARHAB/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

The official also mentioned that fighter jets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier were involved in the strikes. Other ships included the USS Gravely and USS Mason, both naval destroyers, and the USS Philippine Sea, a cruiser.

This joint operation comes about 10 days after U.S. and British warships and fighter jets hit more than 60 targets in 28 locations. This was the first U.S. military response to the ongoing campaign of Houthi drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Liam Buckler