NORTHERN RED SEA, NEAR YEMENI COAST: In a jaw-dropping spectacle, newly revealed images capture the intense moment when the USS Carney, a US Navy warship commanded by Jeremy Robertson, engaged in a fierce nine-hour combat, intercepting a barrage of drones and missiles near the coast of Yemen.
The maritime battle unfolded in the Northern Red Sea, with the Carney taking down a whopping 15 drones and four cruise missiles, all launched by Houthi militants in Yemen, who are backed by Iran, as per Daily Mail.
Intense battle between US Navy and Houthi militants
Images released from aboard the USS Carney provide a vivid account of the intense battle. The vessel's RIM-66M surface-to-air missiles are seen launching into action, detonating incoming devices that were menacingly heading toward Israel.
The photographs capture fiery explosions mid-air and reveal the steely composure of the military service members manning the ship's control room. Miraculously, no injuries were reported among the crew or civilians on land.
At the helm of the remarkable feat is Commanding Officer Jeremy Robertson, a decorated naval officer with an impressive track record.
Throughout his illustrious career, Robertson has held key positions, including Strike Officer on USS Halsey (DDG 97), Auxiliaries Officer on USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), CHENG/CSO on USS Kidd (DDG 100), and most recently, the Executive Officer (XO) on USS St Louis (LCS 19).
This confrontation marks the fourth in a series of aggressive encounters US troops have faced in the region in just three days. The simmering tensions in the Middle East are causing a spike in confrontations, and the region remains on edge.
Rockets launched by Houthi militants taken out using SM-2 surface-to-air missiles
One image showcases the USS Carney's close-in weapon system zeroed in on a target, showing the aftermath of a successful strike, with a fiery cloud in the background. In another gripping photo, a missile is captured mid-flight, seconds away from being neutralized, with the warship's imposing silhouette in the frame.
Meanwhile, in the control room, military personnel are locked onto their computer screens, orchestrating the high-stakes interception of the drones and missiles.
An official from the Defense Department disclosed that the drones and cruise missiles were taken out using SM-2 surface-to-air missiles. The same source underlined that these rockets, launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militants, were unmistakably intended for Israel.
However, a US official expressed doubt that the missiles, which were shot down over the water, were targeting the US warship. The Houthi militants, based in Yemen, have raised concerns by indicating their readiness to join the conflict against Israel.
Widespread tensions and military clashes across the Middle East
The turmoil isn't limited to a single incident. Reports from across the Middle East paint a picture of rising tensions and clashes involving US troops and their allies.
In Syria, two drones took aim at the Al Tanf Garrison military base, where American troops are stationed. One was successfully thwarted, but the other hit its mark, sparking a coordinated response from US and coalition forces.
Notably, another attack targeted the Conoco airfield, with the Iran-backed group Islamic Resistance in Iraq claiming responsibility. However, US officials are yet to officially confirm this particular strike.
On a harrowing Tuesday, drones were intercepted by troops at the al-Asad airbase in Iraq. The northern Al-Harir Air Base had a similar encounter, intercepting two drones of its own. A contractor at the al-Asad airbase succumbed to a heart attack while seeking refuge during the incoming assault.
Some minor injuries were reported at the al-Asad base, where troops managed to down one drone but couldn't prevent damage from the other.
In the midst of this turmoil, the extent of the damage and injuries resulting from the strikes on the al-Tanf airbase remains uncertain.
These intensifying confrontations coincide with the escalating hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The once regional conflict has now evolved into a broader clash perceived as pitting the Western world against the Arab nations.
