DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (NEWSnet/AP) — Ballistic missiles fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck three commercial ships Sunday in Red Sea and a U.S. warship shot down three drones in self-defense, the U.S. military said.

Iran-backed Houthi claimed two of the attacks.

 

The strikes marked an escalation in a series of maritime attacks in the Mideast linked to the Israel-Hamas war, as multiple vessels came into in the crosshairs of a single Houthi assault for the first time in the conflict.

The U.S. vowed to “consider all appropriate responses,” specifically calling out Iran.

“These attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security,” the U.S. military’s Central Command said in a statement. “They have jeopardized the lives of international crews representing multiple countries around the world … We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran.”

The attack began around 9:15 a.m. local time in Houthi-controlled Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, Central Command said.

USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, detected a ballistic missile fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen at the Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier Unity Explorer. The missile hit near the ship, the U.S. said. Shortly after, Carney shot down a drone headed its way, Central Command said.

About 30 minutes later, Unity Explorer was hit by a missile. While responding to its distress call, Carney downed another incoming drone. Central Command said Unity Explorer sustained minor damage from the missile.

Two other commercial ships, the Panaman-flagged bulk carriers Number 9 and Sophie II, were struck by missiles.

While sailing to assist the Sophie II, Carney shot down another drone heading in its direction. The drones did no damage.

Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed two of Sunday’s attacks, saying the first vessel was hit by a missile and the second by a drone while in Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links Red Sea to Gulf of Aden. Saree did not mention any U.S. warship being involved.

Iran has not addressed the attacks directly. However, Iran Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said, “If the current situation continues, the region will enter a new phase,” regarding the Israel-Hamas war.

Houthis have launched a series of attacks on vessels in Red Sea, as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel. Analysts suggest Houthis hope to boost waning popular support after years of civil war in Yemen between it and Saudi-backed forces.

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