Authored by Jack Davis October 12, 2016
URL of the original posting site: http://www.westernjournalism.com/missile-fired-at-us-destroyer-near-yemen-second-attack-in-four-days/
The USS Mason came under attack Wednesday and fired its weapons after at least one missile was launched at the Navy destroyer from a part of Yemen controlled by rebels supported by Iran. Navy officials said the Mason appeared to have brought down an incoming missile with its firepower. The ship was not hit, officials said.
The destroyer was also the target of a failed missile attack on Sunday.
The crew of the Mason was praised for its actions in defending the ship.
“The team in USS Mason demonstrated initiative and toughness as they defended themselves and others against these unfounded attacks over the weekend and again today,” Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson said.
“All Americans should be proud of them,” he said.
The Pentagon said a response will be forthcoming.
“Those who threaten our forces should know that U.S. commanders retain the right to defend their ships, and we will respond to this threat at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook.
The U.S. has so far supported Saudi Arabian efforts against the rebels, but has not engaged in direct action.
The incident took place north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Pentagon said. The area is controlled by Houthi revels seeking to overthrow the shaky government of Yemen.
“Targeting U.S. warships is a sign that the Houthis have decided to join the axis of resistance that currently includes Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas and Iran,” said Michael Knights, an expert on Yemen’s conflict at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
The Houthis have denied they have attacked a U.S. warship, but U.S. officials are skeptical of that claim of innocence.
Reuters reported that the missiles used in the attack Sunday were coastal defense cruise missiles with considerable range. U.S. officials suspect Iran is arming the rebels.
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