Chinese Report: Sana’a Government Forces Attack USS Lincoln, Putting the U.S. Navy in a Difficult Position

NYN | Reports and analyses 

The American aircraft carrier USS Lincoln was subjected to an intense eight-hour attack carried out by Sana’a Government forces using ballistic missiles and drones, according to a report from China’s CCTV. The attack, which also targeted two accompanying U.S. destroyers, forced the American vessels to seek refuge, ultimately leading them to hide within a Chinese naval escort formation.

The attack occurred after the Lincoln and its accompanying destroyers, Tucson and Spruance, entered the Gulf of Aden on November 11. In a statement released on November 12, Sana’a Government forces claimed they had used a combination of long-range cruise missiles, drones, and anti-ship ballistic missiles to target the U.S. naval group with precision. Satellite images revealed that the two U.S. destroyers had sought shelter within the Chinese fleet to evade continued attacks.

The Growing Military Capabilities of Sana’a Government Forces

According to reports, attacks by Sana’a Government forces on the U.S. fleet are no longer a rare occurrence. This marks the fourth such incident, with previous attacks targeting the aircraft carrier Eisenhower on three occasions in May and June of this year. This latest operation, focusing on the Lincoln, highlights significant advancements in their military capabilities.

Observers note that the number of Sana’a Government fighters has increased dramatically over recent years, rising from 30,000 to more than 350,000. They are also well-equipped with a range of domestically developed missiles, including the hypersonic Palestine missiles, which have demonstrated their ability to penetrate Israeli defense systems.

The Broader Context of the Conflict

Since the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in October last year, Sana’a Government forces have intensified their attacks on targets in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, calling for a halt to Israeli military operations. Earlier this year, they declared U.S. and British vessels as military targets following airstrikes in January that hit their military positions, including power stations and missile launch sites.

Implications of the Attack

The recent attack on the Lincoln and two American destroyers demonstrates the ability of Sana’a Government forces to conduct precise and prolonged strikes. They rely on advanced technology, including drones and hypersonic missiles, which provide them with significant reach and accuracy. Additionally, their intelligence-gathering network appears highly developed, utilizing satellite imagery and aerial reconnaissance to monitor U.S. naval movements with precision.

The ongoing attacks highlight the challenges faced by the U.S. Navy in the region, as it confronts a non-traditional adversary with increasingly sophisticated capabilities.

Consequences of the Incident

The U.S. Navy’s decision to seek shelter within the Chinese naval formation represents a turning point in this conflict and a significant embarrassment for American forces, which have long considered themselves the dominant power in the region. According to analysts, this incident may force the United States to reevaluate its strategy for addressing the escalating threats posed by Sana’a Government forces.