USS Carney Thwarts Missile Threat Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

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Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, U.S. forces are dealing with escalating threats. A United States Navy destroyer, the USS Carney, intercepted missiles believed to be bound for Israel and American bases in Iraq and Syria, witnessing multiple drone incursions.

In light of this, an American official confirmed a rocket assault on the diplomatic support centre near Baghdad International Airport, targeted at American and coalition forces. The initial report suggested two rockets were launched with one intercepted and the other striking an empty storage unit. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.


The USS Carney recorded a remarkable accomplishment against the Houthi forces based in Yemen by intercepting three land attack cruise missiles and several drones. This may represent the first military action undertaken by the U.S in defense of Israel in the ongoing conflict.

However, the intended targets of the intercepted missiles were not specifically confirmed as Pentagon press secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder stated that the full assessment was yet to be completed. It was also clarified that the missiles, intercepted over the water, were not directed at the U.S. warship.

Furthermore, the U.S military installations have suffered repeated drone attacks in the past few days, with one incident in southern Syria resulting in minor injuries. This surge of violence transpired following a fatal explosion at a Gaza hospital leading to widespread protests in various Muslim nations. While the Israeli military continuously targeted Gaza – retaliation against the preceding Hamas rampage – it remained adamant in denying responsibility for the hospital explosion. The U.S. also exonerated Tel Aviv based on its intelligence findings.

Varied militant groups spanning the region, including Hezbollah to the Houthis, have united in their support for the Palestinians while mounting threats against Israel. Such support was expressed through at least four drone attacks on U.S. military facilities in Iraq and Syria. Protracted fears are now rising within the U.S and the West concerning the Israel conflict potentially stretching into a larger regional conflict.

Ryder affirmed the U.S. intent on thwarting this potential expansion while pointing out the latest drone strike on al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq. A group known as The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the said attack. The authenticity of this claim is eventually backed by a U.S official but the impact was considered too early to estimate.

Simultaneously, drones hit the al-Tanf Garrison in south-eastern Syria. Alongside frequent drone assaults on U.S facilities, there was also an attack on an oil facility in eastern Syria that accommodates American soldiers. Explosions at the location were confirmed.

The U.S. military facilities continued encountering drone attacks from an unidentified source with assurances from the Pentagon of an appropriate response at an apt moment. Iranian-backed militias, known to have been major players in regional conflicts including Syria and Yemen, recently threatened to target U.S. facilities due to American support for Israel.

In the midst of this tension, the Gaza hospital explosion led to a statement from Kataib Hezbollah blaming U.S. support for Israel for the devastation and demanding the expulsion of U.S. presence from Iraq.

Regarding the intercepts by the Carney, Ryder stated they were necessitated by the threat the Houthi missiles posed. He emphasized that the U.S. is ready to protect regional partners and interests, though it continues to evaluate the potential target. He assured that no U.S. forces or civilians were harmed in the process.

However, the Houthi rebels continue to establish their anti-American, anti-Israel stance as they rally support for Palestine. The leader of the rebels, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi issued a warning to the U.S. against intervention in the Israel-Hamas conflict, affirming that such actions would invite retaliation involving drones and missiles. No further information was provided by Houthi officials when questioned about the incident.