US Navy counters Houthi aggression in Red Sea safeguarding maritime commerce

Washington, USA: US Navy helicopters engaged and destroyed three Houthi boats in the Red Sea. This decisive action followed a distress call from the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged container ship, which reported being under attack by four small boats. The incident, occurring near Yemen’s Houthi-controlled areas, marks a notable escalation in the ongoing maritime tensions in the region.

Early on Sunday, the Maersk Hangzhou, while navigating the Red Sea, issued a distress call at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time. The vessel reported an aggressive approach by four small boats, armed with crew-served and small-arms weapons. The attackers, identified as Houthi militants, fired upon the container ship and attempted to board it, getting dangerously close to within 20 meters.

Responding swiftly, helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and the USS Gravely, two US Navy ships in the vicinity, were dispatched to the scene. The US forces initially attempted verbal warnings, but as the small boats opened fire on the helicopters, the Navy personnel were compelled to return fire in self-defense. This action resulted in the sinking of three of the four boats, neutralizing the threat and causing the loss of Houthi crew members. The fourth boat managed to flee the area.

Following the incident, the Houthis acknowledged the loss of 10 group members and condemned the US Navy’s actions as “dangerous behavior” with potential “negative repercussions.” They vowed to continue their operations in the Red Sea and warned of consequences for what they termed as an American crime.

From the US perspective, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that the US does not seek to escalate the conflict. The focus remains on protecting international shipping lanes and ensuring the safety of maritime commerce. Kirby reiterated the need for the Houthis to cease their attacks, stressing that the US response was purely defensive and aimed at safeguarding international maritime norms.

The Red Sea is a critical maritime corridor, essential for global trade and commerce. The recent attacks by the Houthis have raised concerns about the safety of commercial vessels navigating these waters, according to Reuters. The Maersk Hangzhou incident is not isolated, as it represents the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since November 19, 2023.

In response to the heightened threat, Maersk, the Denmark-based shipping giant, announced a temporary suspension of its transits through the Red Sea. This precautionary measure, while necessary for safety, underscores the broader implications of such maritime conflicts on global trade.