Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted two U.S. Navy warships with multiple drones and missiles as they were traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, but the attacks were not successful, the Defense Department said Tuesday.

The Iranian-backed Houthis launched at least eight drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and three anti-ship cruise missiles at the American vessels.

In a strategic escalation, Yemen's Houthi rebels unsuccessfully targeted two US Navy warships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Amid ongoing conflicts, the rebels have intensified their attacks on maritime vessels,