Houthis launched missiles at U.S. ship that freed tanker off Yemen coast
Yemeni Houthi rebels attacked a U.S. Navy ship (photo: Getty Images)
Yemeni Houthi rebels have launched two ballistic missiles at the USS Mason, a vessel involved in the liberation of a seized tanker in the Gulf of Aden, according to CNN.
Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder stated on Monday that according to international maritime norms and laws, when a distress signal is received, all vessels in the vicinity are obligated to render assistance and support. However, he added that three Chinese Navy ships nearby did not respond.
Ryder told reporters on Monday that, based on initial indications, the attackers currently holding the USS Mason are believed to be Somalis.
Less than two hours after the U.S. Navy SEALs completed the rescue operation, two ballistic missiles were launched from areas controlled by Houthi rebels in Yemen, targeting the general location of the USS Mason.
"The missiles landed in the Gulf of Aden approximately ten nautical miles from the ships," the statement said.
What proceeded this
The U.S. Navy has successfully liberated a tanker that was seized by armed individuals in the Gulf of Aden in the Middle East.
A U.S. Navy ship responded to a distress signal from the commercial tanker Central Park, which was transporting a cargo of phosphoric acid when it was seized by unknown assailants. The identities of the attackers are currently unknown.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a U.S. representative confirmed that the American warship USS Mason responded to the distress signal and freed the tanker. According to the representative, the tanker is now safe.
