U.S. fighter aircraft shot down missile fired by Houthi rebels at American destroyer in Red Sea

According to U.S. military sources, the anti-ship cruise missile was launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, supported by Iran, towards the USS Laboon (DDG 58) destroyer operating in the southern part of the Red Sea.

"On Jan. 14 at approximately 4:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), an anti-ship cruise missile was fired from Iranian-backed Houthi militant areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon (DDG 58), which was operating in the Southern Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported," CENTCOM stated.

Earlier on Sunday, the Houthis complained that U.S. aircraft had flown near Yemeni airspace and coastal areas.

It is noted that the crisis in the Red Sea has heightened concerns about a broader conflict in the Middle East beyond Gaza.

What is happening in the Red Sea

In November, the militarized Shiite group known as Yemeni Houthis began attacking civilian ships in the Red Sea with connections to Israel. This is happening against the backdrop of Israel's war with Hamas, which is supported by Yemeni militants and Iran.

On January 10, the Houthis carried out one of the largest attacks on the Red Sea in recent months. The U.S. Navy intercepted 24 missiles and UAVs launched from Yemen.

On the night of January 12, the Armed Forces of the United States and the United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, conducted joint strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Aircraft and ships were involved in the operation. The strikes targeted weapons storage centers and militant training bases, hitting 60 targets in 16 locations.

However, despite these efforts, the Houthis may continue to attack ships.