US Navy Destroys Three Yemeni Radars

U.S. Military Strikes Radar Sites in Yemen Involved in Recent Missile Launches Threatening USS Mason

(Source: US Navy; issued Oct 13, 2016)

After the destroyer USS Mason was targeted by an anti-ship missile for the second time in four days, the USS Nitze fired three Tomahawk missiles against radar installations in Yemeni territory. (US Navy file photo)

WASHINGTON --- The following is a statement released today by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on U.S. military strikes against radar sites in Yemen:

"Early this morning local time, the U.S. military struck three radar sites in Houthi-controlled territory on Yemen's Red Sea coast. Initial assessments show the sites were destroyed. The strikes -- authorized by President Obama at the recommendation of Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Joseph Dunford -- targeted radar sites involved in the recent missile launches threatening USS Mason and other vessels operating in international waters in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb.

These limited self-defense strikes were conducted to protect our personnel, our ships, and our freedom of navigation in this important maritime passageway.

The United States will respond to any further threat to our ships and commercial traffic, as appropriate, and will continue to maintain our freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb, and elsewhere around the world."

(EDITOR’S NOTE: US media reports indicate that the strike was carried out using Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The missiles fired from Yemen on Sunday "were variants of the so-called Silkworm missile ... a type of [Chinese-made] coastal defense cruise missile Iran is known to use," The Associated Press reported.)

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USS Mason Responds to Missile Threat Off Yemen's Coast

(Source: US Department of Defense; issued Oct. 12, 2016)

WASHINGTON --- For the second time in four days, the guided missile destroyer USS Mason responded today to an incoming missile threat while conducting routine operations in international waters off the Red Sea coast of Yemen, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.

At about 6 p.m. local time today -- 11 a.m. EDT -- the ship detected at least one missile that officials assess originated from Houthi-controlled territory near Hudaydah, Yemen, Cook said in a statement. The ship employed defensive countermeasures, and the missile did not reach USS Mason, he added.

No Damage, Crew Safe

“There was no damage to the ship or its crew,” Cook said. “USS Mason will continue its operations. Those who threaten our forces should know that U.S. commanders retain the right to defend their ships, and we will respond to this threat at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner.”

Homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, USS Mason is deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.

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