For the first time in decades of U.S. dominance in the Red Sea, the USNI News website, affiliated with the U.S. Naval Institute, has reported a complete absence of American destroyers in the region since last week.

This development coincides with what the report describes as the “most dangerous escalation” by the Yemeni Armed Forces since the start of their naval campaign in November 2023. The withdrawal signals a notable decline in U.S. deterrence capabilities in the area.

The report highlighted key Yemeni operations—such as the sinking of the Eternity Sea and Magic Seas—as evidence of a qualitative leap in Yemeni naval performance. Notably, Eternity Sea received no military assistance during a 16-hour attack, with the rescue carried out by a commercial ship, reflecting a complete U.S. naval absence.

Analysts, including Afshon Ostovar, noted that the lack of American presence allows Yemeni forces greater freedom and boldness, enabling them to conduct impactful attacks without fear of immediate retaliation.

The report warned that Yemeni operations have evolved into advanced, real-world naval training exercises, testing global red lines. Rather than targeting every ship, Yemen focuses on selective strikes to maintain deterrence—showing readiness to face the consequences, as proven in earlier U.S. and Israeli strikes.

USNI News concluded that Yemen now holds the initiative in the Red Sea, redrawing maritime power dynamics through the Gaza conflict, while the international response remains fragmented and largely paralyzed.