In a longer and more complex engagement than initially reported, a U.S. Navy destroyer successfully shot down multiple drones and cruise missiles off the coast of Yemen. The USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was involved in a nine-hour operation, during which it intercepted four cruise missiles and 15 airborne drones.

The Pentagon had initially stated that the engagement included three missiles and "several" drones. However, new information reveals that the USS Carney faced a larger number of threats than previously disclosed. CNN reported the extended duration and heightened complexity of the engagement, based on information provided by an American official familiar with the matter.

According to the Department of Defense, the missiles were fired by Houthi rebels in Yemen, with their intended target being Israel. This marks the first attempt by any group in Yemen to strike at Israel following the Oct. 7 terror attacks by Hamas two weeks ago.

The recent engagement comes in the midst of a series of drone attacks on American installations. On Wednesday, separate drone attacks targeted two U.S. bases in Iraq: al-Asad Air Base in the country's west and al-Harir Air Base in Iraqi Kurdistan. The following day, drones and rockets were launched at U.S. installations in both Syria and Iraq. While the Pentagon attributed the cruise missiles and drones to the Houthis in Yemen, no specific group has been identified in relation to the attacks in Iraq and Syria.

In response to the escalating situation, the USS Carney had entered the Red Sea via the Suez Canal, joining other American ships in the region. It successfully intercepted the missiles and drones using SM-2 surface-to-air missiles.

The reveal of the extent of the shootdowns came shortly after Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that the U.S. military was prepared to protect its partners and interests in the Middle East. The increased American military presence in the region aims to deter further involvement by other nations or groups in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Following the Oct. 7 attacks, the Pentagon deployed two carrier strike groups, led by the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, to the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The region has also seen additional aircraft being deployed in response to the heightened tensions.

While the conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to firing incidents between Hezbollah and Israel, the fighting has so far been contained within a limited geographical scope.

The successful interception by the USS Carney highlights the U.S. Navy's commitment to protecting its assets and allies in the Middle East region. As tensions continue to persist, the situation remains highly volatile, and further measures may be required to ensure stability in the area.