A United States Navy destroyer shot down an Iranian-made drone Wednesday that was launched from Yemen, as tensions continue to mount in the Middle East region.
According to a statement released by U.S. Central Command, the USS Carney, an Arleigh-Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer, shot down an Iranian-made KAS-04 drone that was launched from an area of Yemen controlled by the Houthi at roughly 11:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
“Although its intentions are not known, the UAV was heading toward the warship,” Central Command stated. “At the time of the shoot down, the USS Carney was escorting the USNS SUPPLY (Oiler) and another U.S. flagged and the crewed ship carrying military equipment to the region.”
Central Command explained that the drone incident did not result in any injuries to U.S. personnel or damage to U.S. ships.
Wednesday’s drone incident occurred just one day after the U.S. military warned Iran regarding an “unsafe and unprofessional” drone maneuver Tuesday near the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier strike group, according to The Hill.
In a statement obtained by The Hill, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Vice Adm. Brad Cooper claimed Iran flew the drone within 1,500 yards of the U.S. strike group despite “multiple hails and warnings” by U.S. forces.
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While no damages or injuries were reported during Tuesday’s incident, Cooper noted that Iran’s actions were in violation of normal safety guidelines established in the “Notice to Airmen,” which directs aircraft to stay ten nautical miles from the aircraft carrier.
“This unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behavior by Iran risks U.S. and partner nation lives and needs to cease immediately,” Cooper stated.
Last week, Central Command announced that the USS Thomas Hudner, another Navy destroyer, shot down multiple attack drones in the Red Sea that were launched from parts of Yemen controlled by the Houthi.
