### US Warships Defend Against Houthi Missiles and Drones, Says Pentagon

US warships successfully intercepted and defeated missile and drone attacks from Yemen's Houthi forces as they passed through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to a statement from the Pentagon on Tuesday. The incident marked a significant escalation in hostilities involving the Iran-backed Houthi movement and US naval forces.

Yemen's Houthi group acknowledged carrying out two distinct military operations targeting American naval assets in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Yahya Sarea, the Houthi military spokesperson, revealed that the first strike aimed at a US aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea using a mix of missiles and drones. The second assault was directed at two US destroyers in the Red Sea.

Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder detailed that the attacks occurred on Monday, involving at least eight drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and three anti-ship cruise missiles. Thanks to the defensive measures of the US warships, all incoming threats were neutralized, and no damage was reported.

The Houthi movement has been active in the region since October 7, launching attacks on international shipping routes they suspect of being linked to Israel. These actions are framed as a show of solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The escalations by the Houthis have prompted retaliatory responses from both the US and the UK.

Tuesday's developments underscore the increasing complexity and dangers of naval operations in the strategically important waterways around the Arabian Peninsula. Major General Ryder emphasized that the US remains committed to ensuring the freedom of navigation in these vital maritime routes.