United States Navy warship in the Red Sea has reportedly shot down an Iranian-manufactured drone launched from Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen, according to statements from the US Central Command. This occurrence is part of a series of attacks orchestrated by Houthi rebels. Since the outset of the Israel-Hamas war, US forces in the Middle East have been on high alert to prevent the spread of the conflict.

The US Central Command, a division of the Department of Defense, reported that the USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, successfully intercepted and brought down an Iranian-made KAS-04 drone. Launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen, the drone was approaching the warship when it was neutralized.

"Although its intentions are not known," stated US officials, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was approaching the warship. The USS Carney, escorting two ships at the time, one of which transported military equipment to the region, successfully intercepted the UAV.

Navigating through the southern Red Sea, the USS Carney was on its way to the strait, serving as an escort to the USNS Supply—a military sealift command fast combat supply ship—and another US-flagged crewed ship tasked with transporting military equipment to the region.

During this mission, no injuries to US personnel or damage to the US ships were reported following an incident involving the interception of an Iranian-made drone. The US Central Command confirmed that the UAV was heading towards the warship but was successfully downed by the USS Carney.

This incident occurred just a day after an Iranian drone approached within 1,370 meters of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier. The aircraft carrier was engaged in flight operations in international waters at the time. Despite multiple warnings issued, the Iranian drone persisted, eventually altering its course. No reported injuries or damages resulted from this encounter, according to US officials.

Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Naval Forces Central Command said, “This unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behaviour by Iran risks U.S. and partner nation lives and needs to cease immediately.”

Navigating the southern Red Sea, the USS Carney was on its way to the strait, offering escort to the USNS Supply, a military sealift command fast combat supply ship, and another crewed US-flagged vessel transporting military equipment to the region.

In the past month, the United States has significantly bolstered its naval presence in the Middle East, a move intensified since the commencement of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. This deployment encompasses two aircraft carriers, along with their accompanying support vessels, and has been reinforced by the deployment of thousands of American troops since October.

Image source: Times of India