- U.S. helicopters repelled an attack by Iran-backed Houthi militants on a Maersk container vessel in the Red Sea.
- The attack sank three ships and killed 10 militants.
US helicopters successfully foiled an attack by Houthi militants on December 31, backed by Iran, on a Maersk container vessel in the Red Sea. The clash resulted in the sinking of three militant ships, and 10 militants were reportedly killed, news agency Reuters reported.
Houthi militants attack in Red Sea
The maritime event took place at approximately 0330 GMT on December 31 when assailants attempted to board the Maersk Hangzhou, a vessel flying the Singapore flag, according to statements from Maersk and the US Central Command (CENTCOM). In response to a distress call, helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely, along with the ship’s security team, stepped in and effectively thwarted the attackers.
The Houthi group, supported by Iran and situated in Yemen, confirmed that 10 of its naval forces have been killed, and three others are missing as a result of the gunfire initiated by US helicopters, according to several media reports.
Following the attack, Maersk announced a temporary suspension of all sailing through the Red Sea for a period of 48 hours.
The Denmark-owned container vessel that was attacked by the militants did not result in any injuries. The ship was targeted as the Houthis escalated their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea to express support for the Palestinian militant group Hamas, currently engaged in conflict with Israel in Gaza.
Houthis have targeted vessels in the Red Sea since November in support of Hamas. Consequently, major shipping companies are choosing the longer and costlier route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope rather than through the Suez Canal.
More significantly, the naval clash highlights the potential for a regional escalation in the conflict, with Israel persisting in its intense bombing campaign. This follows a surprise cross-border attack by Hamas militants on Israeli towns on October 7, resulting in 1,200 casualties and 240 hostages.
The Red Sea is a critical waterway, and the Suez Canal is a key global maritime route that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. It serves as a vital conduit for international trade, facilitating the movement of goods between Asia and Europe. Approximately 12 percent of global trade passes through the Suez Canal, making it one of the most important and strategically significant waterways in the world.
America initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian on December 19, stating that over 20 countries had agreed to join in the efforts to protect ships in the waters of the Red Sea near Yemen.
Maersk to resume sailing through the Red Sea
Maersk, a leading global cargo shipping company, on December 24 announced its intention to resume sailing through the Red Sea. Despite this decision, ongoing attacks have persisted, and several US allies have demonstrated hesitancy in committing to the coalition, with nearly half of them not publicly declaring their presence.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby refrained from specifying the options America is contemplating when questioned on ABC’s “Good Morning America” about whether Washington would entertain the possibility of a preemptive strike on the Houthis.
“We have made it clear publicly to the Houthis, we’ve made it clear privately to our allies and partners in the region, that we take these threats seriously.”
Earlier on December 31, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, he emphasized the importance of Iran’s assistance in halting the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
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Source: Reuters
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