The Pentagon reported a U.S. warship and several commercial vessels were attacked Sunday in the Red Sea in acts apparently related to the Israel-Hamas war. This is widely seen as an escalation in an already tense region.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility in the hours after the attacks. They said they targeted two ships with Israeli ties but did not mention firing on the U.S. Navy vessel.

The Pentagon released a statement to the Associated Press. “We’re aware of reports regarding attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and will provide information as it becomes available.”

There was no immediate word on damage to the Carney or any of the commercial vessels. The warship is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.

Earlier the U.K. military reported a suspected drone attack and subsequent explosions in the Red Sea. No further details were released by British sources. 

The Pentagon stopped short of identifying where the attacks originated, but Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree was not so hesitant. He claimed a missile struck one vessel while another was hit by a drone.

Imagine a single provocation that tilts a charged world into a massive war. (Archduke Ferdinand’s murder, e.g.).

Now imagine that your nation has been infiltrated by millions of military age religious zealots taking their orders from your sworn enemy. https://t.co/9kE4WpIB4q

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) December 3, 2023

Saree said both ignored warnings that an attack was imminent.

He added that Yemeni forces are actively working to prevent Israeli ships from utilizing the Red Sea and surrounding waterways. He said this will continue until “aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops.”

A U.S. defense official told Fox News that the USS Carney shot down at least two drones Sunday over the Red Sea. “Houthi missiles struck some commercial ships in the Red Sea. The Carney has been lending assistance and shot down at least two UAVs headed in its direction.”

Another official told the AP that the attack started around 10 a.m. local time and went on for as much as five hours.The targeting of U.S. and allied shipping is of growing concern to Washington.

Former Obama CIA director and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta addressed the issue Saturday at the Reagan National Defense Forum. He said the Biden administration should be “much more aggressive.”

In a hawkish statement — particularly for a Democrat — Panetta said retribution should be immediate and harsh. “I want to go after those who are firing missiles at our troops and make sure they understand that when they fire a missile, they are going to die.”