US warship attacked by missiles from Yemen after oil tanker rescue

The tanker, identified as the Central Park, was carrying phosphoric acid when the crew called for help saying “they were under attack from an unknown group,” US Central Command said in a statement.

US warship USS Mason. Photo: US Navy

The incident comes as Houthi forces have recently carried out a series of attacks on US assets in the region, since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out on October 7.

The Houthis are a Shia political and military group in Yemen that is waging a civil war in the country against a Saudi-led coalition. They have voiced support for the Palestinians and organized protests in Yemen against Israel's offensive in Gaza.

However, the group that attacked the tanker is not believed to have been Houthi rebels. General Ryder told reporters on Monday that initial indications were that the attackers, now being held in Mason, were Somali.

After the warship approached the attackers, “five armed individuals abandoned the ship and attempted to flee in their small boat… The Mason pursued the attackers, who eventually surrendered,” the U.S. Central Command said. The USS Mason is a guided-missile destroyer that is part of a counter-piracy task force in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

Less than two hours after the rescue, two ballistic missiles were fired from areas controlled by Houthi rebels in Yemen “into the general area” between the USS Mason and the Central Park. “The missiles landed in the Gulf of Aden approximately 10 nautical miles from the ships,” the statement said, causing no damage or injuries.

The Gulf of Aden is located between Somalia and Yemen, connecting to the Red Sea. Graphic image: Wiki

In recent weeks, the US has intercepted several cruise missiles and attack drones fired by the Houthis at Israeli or US assets. Last week, the USS Thomas Hudner shot down multiple attack drones launched from Yemen while it was patrolling the Red Sea.

On November 15, the Hudner also shot down a drone that was reportedly headed toward the ship. Earlier this month, the Israeli military said it had thwarted an aerial attack by ballistic missiles and drones on targets in Israel.

The Houthi navy issued another warning last week against ships in the Red Sea that fly Israeli flags, are managed by Israeli companies, or are owned by Israelis. The statement said any military unit providing protection to Israeli vessels would be targeted by the Houthis.

Hoang Hai (according to CNN, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tau-chien-my-bi-nhom-houthi-o-yemen-tan-cong-ten-lua-sau-vu-cuu-tau-cho-dau-post274243.html