US helicopters reportedly thwarted an attack by Iran-backed Houthi militants on a Maersk container vessel in the Red Sea, sinking three ships and resulting in the death of 10 militants, according to American, Maersk, and Houthi officials. The naval clash occurred when attackers attempted to board the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou. Helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely, along with the ship’s security team, repelled the attackers in response to a distress call. Maersk has temporarily halted all sailings through the Red Sea for 48 hours after the incident.
The Houthi spokesperson stated that the attack was carried out because the ship’s crew ignored warning calls. According to the spokesperson, 10 Houthi naval personnel were “dead and missing” after their boats were attacked by US forces.
The incident underscores the risk of regional escalation amid ongoing conflicts, including Israel’s bombing campaign and Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Yemen’s Houthis have targeted ships in the Red Sea to show support for Hamas, prompting shipping companies to take longer routes. The Red Sea is crucial for global trade, handling about 12% of it through the Suez Canal.
The United States initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian to safeguard ships in Red Sea waters, but attacks have persisted. The Maersk Hangzhou experienced a missile strike the previous day but continued its journey towards the Suez Canal. The international community, including the US, UK, and France, condemned the attacks, and the BIMCO shipping association called for increased support to repel such actions. British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized the commitment to holding malign actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged Iran to help stop Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Iranian-backed Houthi small boats attack merchant vessel and U.S. Navy helicopters in Southern Red Sea
On Dec. 31 at 6:30am (Sanaa time) the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU issued a second distress call in less than 24 hours reporting being under attack by four Iranian-backed… pic.twitter.com/pj8NAzjbVF
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 31, 2023
