Defense News ,U.S Red Sea :- In a recent maritime clash, U.S. helicopters successfully thwarted an attack by Houthi militants backed by Iran on the Maersk container vessel in the Red Sea. Reports from American, Maersk, and Houthi officials indicate that three ships were sunk, and 10 militants lost their lives during the confrontation on Sunday.
The incident unfolded around 0330 GMT as Houthi militants attempted to board the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou. Responding to a distress call, helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely, along with the ship security team, repelled the attackers, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
As a precautionary measure, Maersk announced a temporary suspension of all sailings through the Red Sea for the next 48 hours in the aftermath of the attack.
According to a Houthi spokesman, the group launched the assault after the ship crew ignored warning calls. He reported that 10 Houthi naval personnel were either "dead or missing" following the U.S. forces counterattack in the Red Sea.
This naval skirmish highlights the potential for regional escalation, especially as Israel continues its bombing campaign in response to a surprise cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7. The ongoing conflict has led to a significant toll on lives and has created a ripple effect in the region.
Since November, Yemen Houthi rebels have targeted vessels in the Red Sea to express solidarity with Hamas. This has compelled major shipping companies to opt for the longer and more expensive route around Africa Cape of Good Hope instead of navigating through the Suez Canal.
In response to the escalating tensions, the United States initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian on December 19, with more than 20 countries joining efforts to safeguard ships in the Red Sea near Yemen.
Despite Maersk decision to resume sailing through the Red Sea on December 24, attacks have persisted, and several U.S. allies have been hesitant to publicly declare their commitment to the coalition.
The attempted Houthi boarding of the Maersk Hangzhou marked the second attack on the vessel in as many days. On the previous day, the ship, carrying 14,000 containers from Singapore, was struck by a missile southwest of Al Hodeidah, Yemen. The crew remains safe, and the vessel continues its journey north toward the Suez Canal.
While the situation unfolds, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby refrained from specifying U.S. options, emphasizing the seriousness with which threats are taken. British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps expressed a willingness to take direct action to deter threats to freedom of navigation, echoing the sentiment that malign actors must be held accountable for unlawful actions.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also urged Iran to help curb Houthi attacks in the Red Sea during a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. The BIMCO shipping association condemned the attacks and thanked the U.S., French, and UK efforts, calling for additional support from other states through naval assets and diplomatic pressure on the Houthis and their supporters.
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