The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on November 29 that the USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, shot down an Iranian-made UAV, according to AFP. The aircraft was launched from an area controlled by Houthi forces in Yemen.
The US destroyer USS Carney passed through the Suez Canal on October 18 to the Middle East.
The UAV's intentions are unclear, but it headed toward the US warship, CENTCOM said, adding that the Carney was escorting two ships, including one carrying military equipment, to the area.
In October, a US warship intercepted four cruise missiles and 15 drones fired by the Houthis toward Israel. The Houthis control much of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, and are one of the main supporters of the Palestinians in their fight against Israel.
US warship within range of Iranian UAVs in Strait of Hormuz hotspot
The US has sent a massive military force to the Middle East since the Hamas-Israel conflict broke out, including two aircraft carrier strike groups and thousands of troops.
In another statement, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US naval forces in the Middle East, said an Iranian UAV flew within 1,371 meters of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier on November 28. The incident occurred while the US aircraft carrier was operating in the Gulf.
The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Strait of Hormuz on November 26.
Mr Cooper said the UAV acted in an unsafe and unprofessional manner, ignoring multiple warnings and violating rules prohibiting aircraft from entering within 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) of a ship.
"Iran's unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behavior puts the lives of Americans and our partners at risk and must stop immediately," Vice Admiral Cooper said, adding that the US Navy remains vigilant and will continue to operate wherever international law allows while promoting maritime security in the region.
Iran has not immediately commented on the incident.
Source link
Comment (0)