A U.S. Navy destroyer shot down three missiles launched by Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen that were potentially headed for targets in Israel, Pentagon officials said Thursday.
“We cannot say for certain what they were targeting, but they were launched from Yemen, heading north along the Red Sea, potentially toward targets in Israel,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force brigadier general Pat Ryder at a Thursday press briefing.
The ship intercepted three cruise missiles and roughly eight drones, Ryder said.
#BREAKING: A U.S. Navy destroyer shot down 3 missiles launched by Houthis in Yemen, officials say. The missiles were not aimed at the ship.
The missiles were headed north along the Red Sea from Yemen and were potentially headed for targets in Israel, Pentagon says. pic.twitter.com/G4Xcg74DeL
— Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) October 19, 2023
The situation unfolded on the same day the U.S. State Department warned U.S. citizens to exercise “increased caution” overseas amid “increased tensions” across the globe.
“Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the alert said.
The department suggested that Americans abroad should stay alert in busy tourist locations and follow the department on social media. Additionally, Americans should join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which sends alerts and helps locate people in times of emergency, the department said.
The Department told Americans in Lebanon to make plans to leave “as soon as possible” while commercial options are still available — an escalation from an earlier advisory that warned people not to visit the country. The alert told Americans they should have plans to exit the country that do not rely upon the U.S. government.
Israeli declared war against Hamas earlier this month after the terrorist group launched a surprise attack against the Jewish state on October 7, killing more than 1,400 people.
The Israeli military has since retaliated by dropping more than 6,000 bombs on Gaza. However, Israel has not yet launched a ground offensive in the territory, though it has called up a record number of reservists and active-duty troops have begun massing on the Gaza border.