Red Sea: US warship intercepts missiles over northern Red Sea Oct. 19

Event

A US Department of Defense spokesperson announced that the warship USS Carney had intercepted three land-attack cruise missiles and a number of drones in the northern Red Sea on the evening of Oct. 19. The missiles were reportedly launched in Yemen, most likely by the Al-Houthi group, and had been heading northwards along the Red Sea. It remains unclear what the missiles were targeting, but the spokesperson stated that may have been heading toward targets in Israel. The Al-Houthi movement previously stated that it was ready to target US and Israeli assets in the region in support of Palestine amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Further incidents are possible off the Arabian Peninsula in the coming days and weeks. An increased naval presence is highly likely in these areas in the short-to-medium term.

Context

The Al-Houthi movement possesses an arsenal of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, some of which may have the range to strike targets in Israel, as well as extensive anti-shipping weaponry including naval mines, waterborne improvised explosive devices (WBIED), and anti-ship cruise missiles. US, Saudi, and Emirati naval vessels, as well as a number of civilian ships, have been targeted during the nearly decade-long Yemeni Civil War.

The incident coincides with increased tensions in the region connected to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The US is an ally of Israel. Anti-Western and anti-Israeli sentiment is currently heightened. Further attempted strikes against Israeli and US interests at sea and on land throughout the region are possible. Attacks could take various forms, including naval mines, anti-ship missiles, drone strikes, and harassment by small boats.

Advice

Exercise caution and reconfirm routes with maritime authorities if transiting or shipping freight near the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.