The following article was posted April 24 by U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). Earlier this month, USCENTCOM reported the USS Mason and USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) at approximately 3 a.m. (Sanaa time) on April 9. USCENTCOM reported that ASBM was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, which was being escorted by USS Laboon and USS Mason.
TAMPA, Fla. – At 11:51 a.m. (Sanaa time) on April 24, a coalition vessel successfully engaged one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas in Yemen over the Gulf of Aden. The ASBM was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, owned, and operated vessel with 18 U.S. and four Greek crew members. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.
Separately, between 12:07 p.m. and 1:26 p.m., U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) successfully engaged and destroyed four airborne unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) over Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
It was determined that the ASBM and UAVs presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels.