The US is weighing possible responses after two separate missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen targeted US Navy ships in the Red Sea, prompting a destroyer to launch countermeasures. On Sunday, two separate missiles fired from the coastal areas of Yemen came near the USS Mason. The destroyer launched unnamed countermeasures to deter one missile, and another missile landed in the sea about an hour later, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said during a Tuesday briefing. The US is still collecting intelligence to determine exactly who fired the missiles, as well as possible responses. The delay in possible retaliation is because the ships need to determine exactly what targets would be hit and ensure that no collateral damage would occur. The Mason at the time was steaming alongside the USS Ponce amphibious transport ship, and it is thought the Ponce was the original target, Davis said. The attack on the US ships came about a week after missiles from Houthi rebels hit a UAE civilian vessel in the same waters.
The U.S. military is carrying out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions along the southern border and off the coast of Mexico using U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint and U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft as part of the Pentagon’s effort to secure the southern border at the direction of President…