US warship and commercial ships reportedly ‘attacked in Red Sea’, says Pentagon

An American warship and multiple commercial vessels have reportedly come under attack in the Red Sea, according to the Pentagon.

The incident, which took place on Sunday morning, potentially marks a major escalation in a series of maritime attacks in the Middle East linked to the Israel-Hamas war.

“We’re aware of reports regarding attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, and will provide information as it becomes available,” the Pentagon said.

The Pentagon did not identify where it believed the fire came from.

However, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been launching a series of attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel as war wages in the Gaza Strip.

The incident comes after the UK’s Maritime Trade Operations agency said it had received reports of a drone attack in the Red Sea’s Bab al-Mandab strait.

Earlier, it reported drone activity that originated from Yemen, as well as a possible explosion, and called on vessels in the area to be cautious.

An anonymous US official told Associated Press that the attack began at about 10am in Sanaa, Yemen, and had gone on for as long as five hours.

Another US official said the Carney had intercepted at least one drone during the attack.

There has been no immediate comment from the Houthis – although a military spokesman earlier said an “important” statement would be released shortly.