The incident highlights ongoing maritime security challenges in the region and underscores the Navy’s role in ensuring the safety of international shipping routes. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated “The destroyers were escorting three US owned, operated and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or US Naval.”

CENTCOM also said ‘The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS) and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack. These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis