US warship intercepts three missiles from Yemen 'headed to Israel'

The Pentagon said the destroyer USS Carney was operating in the northern Red Sea on Thursday when it brought down the projectiles and there were no injuries.

"We cannot say for certain what these missiles and drones were targeting, but they were launched from Yemen heading north along the Red Sea, potentially towards targets in Israel," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder told reporters.

A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it did not appear that the warship was the target.

US President Joe Biden has sent a significant amount of naval power to the Middle East in the past week, including two aircraft carriers, their support ships and about 2,000 Marines.

While the White House says there are "no plans or intentions" for their use, it means US military assets would be in place to protect U.S. national security interests if needed.

The US also has an array of bases in the Middle East with troops, fighter aircraft and warships.

It comes as U.S. troops have been repeatedly attacked in Iraq and Syria in recent days, U.S. officials said.

There has been an uptick in attacks on U.S. forces since the conflict in Israel broke out on Oct. 7 when Palestinian militants from Hamas attacked southern Israel.

Earlier this week, a drone hit US forces in Syria resulting in minor injuries, while another one was brought down.

"While I'm not going to forecast any potential responses to these attacks, I will say that we will take all necessary actions to defend US and coalition forces against any threat," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder told reporters.

"Any response, should one occur, will come at a time in a manner of our choosing," Ryder said.