DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (NEWSnet/AP) — A U.S. warship and multiple commercial ships came under attack Sunday in the Red Sea, the Pentagon said.

Yeme’s Houthi rebels claimed attacks on two ships they described as being linked to Israel, but did not acknowledge targeting a U.S. Navy vessel.

The attack potentially marked a major escalation in a series of maritime attacks in the Mideast linked to the Israel-Hamas war.

“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,” the Pentagon told The Associated Press.

The Carney is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.

The Pentagon did not identify where it believes the fire originated. Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed the attacks, saying the first vessel was hit by a missile and the second by a drone while in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that links Red Sea to Gulf of Aden.

Houthis have been launching a series of attacks on vessels in Red Sea, as well as launching drones and missiles targeting Israel amid the war.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the attack began about 10 a.m. in Sanaa, Yemen, and had continued for as long as five hours.

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