Rising Tensions: US-Houthi Escalation in the Red Sea
On December 1, 2024, the Houthis executed a coordinated attack on three U.S.-flagged merchant vessels transiting the Red Sea under the escort of U.S. Navy destroyers. The targeted vessels were identified as Stena Impeccable (IMO 9693020), Maersk Saratoga (IMO 9289207), and Liberty Grace (IMO 9228148). Houthi forces claimed to have launched 16 ballistic missiles and suicide UAVs toward the vessels. In response , U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that U.S. naval forces successfully intercepted three anti-ship ballistic missiles, three suicide UAVs, and one anti-ship cruise missile, ensuring the safety of the vessels and their crews. Based on the sensitivity of the targets, it is assessed that the Houthis likely employed Tankeel ASBMs, Samad-2/3 UAVs, and Al Mandab-2 (Houthi version of Iranian Qader) ASCM in the attack.
