Several Houthi insurgents were killed by US helicopters

The U.S. military has reported that its forces engaged in defensive action against Houthi rebels following their assault on a cargo ship in the Red Sea, resulting in several rebel fatalities. This incident marks an intensification in the maritime conflict connected to the war in Gaza. A White House official emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to self-defense in future operations.

According to U.S. Central Command, the USS Gravely destroyer intercepted two anti-ship missiles aimed at the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou late Saturday. This action was taken after the vessel reported being hit by a missile earlier that evening in the Southern Red Sea.

On Sunday, four small boats launched an attack on the Maersk Hangzhou, using small arms and attempting to board the ship. The USS Gravely and helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier responded to the distress call. The attackers fired on the helicopters, which returned fire in self-defense, sinking three boats and killing the occupants, while the fourth boat escaped. There were no reported casualties among U.S. personnel or on the cargo ship.

The Houthi rebels acknowledged the loss of 10 fighters and warned of repercussions. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, while speaking on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” refrained from discussing preemptive strikes but stressed the U.S.’s readiness to protect shipping in the vital waterway. He emphasized the United States’ significant security interests in the region and its preparedness to deploy necessary forces for protection and self-defense.

The Central Command reported this as the 23rd illegal attack by Houthis on international shipping since November 19, marking the first time U.S. Navy personnel have killed Houthi fighters in these Red Sea attacks.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have claimed responsibility for attacks on ships in the Red Sea, alleging links to Israel or Israeli ports, in response to Israeli actions in Gaza triggered by Hamas’ attacks in southern Israel on October 7. However, the connection of targeted ships to Israel has become increasingly uncertain as the attacks persist.

U.S. Representative Mike Turner, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, urged President Joe Biden to consider measures in Yemen to prevent further Houthi threats to commercial and military vessels. He also called for a more assertive response to Iran’s support of groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

Maersk, the Denmark-based shipping company owning the Maersk Hangzhou, announced a suspension of its Red Sea shipping operations for 48 hours following the attacks, as stated by Danish broadcaster DR.

Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the top commander of U.S. naval forces in the Middle East, remarked on the persistence of Houthi attacks on commercial ships, despite increased international efforts to safeguard the vital waterway. This month, the U.S. announced a new international coalition, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to protect vessels in the Red Sea, with participation from several nations. Since the operation’s inception, no merchant ships have been hit by drone or missile strikes in the region.