Pentagon hints at possible retaliation after Yemen missile fire

The Pentagon yesterday warned that whoever fired missiles at a US Navy destroyer and an accompanying ship off the coast of Yemen over the weekend had done so “at their own peril”, language that suggested preparations for possible retaliation.

“Anybody who takes action, fires against US Navy ships operating in international waters, does so at their own peril,” Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told a news briefing, noting the missiles came from territory controlled by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.

Asked whether the Pentagon was developing targets for retaliatory strikes, Davis said: “I’m not confirming that right now.”

Two missiles targeted a US warship off the coast of Yemen on Sunday but missed the vessel and hit the water instead, a Pentagon spokesman said.