Yemen’s Houthi rebels say they attacked US warship without evidence; American official rejects claim

By JON GAMBRELL
Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels have said they attacked a U.S. Navy mobile base at sea without offering evidence, something immediately rejected by an American defense official. They said they targeted the USS Lewis B. Puller, a ship that serves as a floating landing base. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said in a statement the group fired a missile at the Puller in the Gulf of Aden. A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, said there had been no reported attack on the Puller. However, the Houthis have previously launched missiles that did not reach their intended target, instead crashing down onto the land or sea.