CNN —A US warship that intercepted drones and missiles near the coast of Yemen on Thursday encountered a larger and more sustained barrage than was previously known, shooting down 4 cruise missiles and 15 drones over a period of 9 hours, according to a US official familiar with the situation.
Their trajectory left little doubt that the projectiles were headed for Israel, the official said, a clearer assessment than the Pentagon’s initial take.
The drones and missiles were intercepted with SM-2 surface-to-air missiles launched from the USS Carney.
US interceptions of Houthi launches are exceedingly rare, making the timing of this incident, as tensions rise in Israel, more significant.
In response, the US fired sea-launched cruise missiles at Houthi radar facilities in Yemen.
Persons:
Carney, Burke, Brig, Pat Ryder, ”, Ryder, USS Mason, I’m
Organizations:
CNN, Arleigh, Pentagon, SM, USS, Navy, US Central Command, Support, US
Locations:
Yemen, Suez, Israel, Gaza, East, Syria, Iraq, Iranian, Tanf, Baghdad