US helicopters successfully thwarted an assault carried out by Iran-backed Houthi militants on a Maersk container vessel in the Red Sea.
Multiple sources, including American, Maersk, and Houthi officials, have confirmed the details of this event, which occurred on Sunday. As a result of the counterattack, three boats were sunk, and sadly, 10 militants lost their lives.
US Sinks Houthi Boats
A picture taken during an organised tour by Yemen's Huthi rebels on November 22, 2023 shows the Galaxy Leader cargo ship (R), seized by Huthi fighters two days earlier, approaching the port in the Red Sea off Yemen's province of Hodeida. The Bahamas-flagged, British-owned Galaxy Leader, operated by a Japanese firm but having links to an Israeli businessman, was headed from Turkey to India when it was seized and re-routed to Hodeida November 19, according to maritime security company Ambrey. The Huthis said the capture was in retaliation for Israel's war against Hamas, sparked by the October 7 attack by the Palestinian militants who killed 1,200 people and took around 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials.
A picture taken during an organised tour by Yemen's Huthi rebels on November 22, 2023 shows the Galaxy Leader cargo ship (R), seized by Huthi fighters two days earlier, approaching the port in the Red Sea off Yemen's province of Hodeida. The Bahamas-flagged, British-owned Galaxy Leader, operated by a Japanese firm but having links to an Israeli businessman, was headed from Turkey to India when it was seized and re-routed to Hodeida November 19, according to maritime security company Ambrey. The Huthis said the capture was in retaliation for Israel's war against Hamas, sparked by the October 7 attack by the Palestinian militants who killed 1,200 people and took around 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials.
The attackers aimed to board the Maersk Hangzhou, a vessel flying the Singapore flag. This information was confirmed by both Maersk and the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
According to CENTCOM, helicopters hailing from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely have joined forces with the ship's security team to fend off attackers. The partnership was initiated in response to a distress call received by the aforementioned vessels.
In response to the attack, Maersk has announced a temporary suspension of all sailing activities through the Red Sea for a period of 48 hours.
According to a spokesman representing the Houthis, the group has claimed responsibility for the attack, citing the ship's crew's alleged refusal to comply with warning calls. According to reports, a statement was made by an individual stating that a total of 10 Houthi naval personnel were declared "dead and missing" following an alleged attack on their boats in the Red Sea, reportedly carried out by US forces.
In a recent naval battle, the potential for a regional escalation in fighting has been highlighted. Israel, in response to a surprise cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in a devastating loss of 1,200 lives and the capture of 240 hostages, has been carrying out a relentless bombing campaign. According to Gazan health authorities, the death toll from Israel's air and artillery bombardment has surpassed 21,800 people.
In a display of solidarity with Hamas, Yemen's Houthis have been deliberately targeting vessels in the Red Sea since November. This has led to significant repercussions for major shipping companies, who are now opting for the longer and more expensive route around Africa's Cape of Good Hope instead of utilizing the Suez Canal.
The Red Sea serves as a crucial gateway for ships utilizing the Suez Canal, a vital waterway responsible for approximately 12% of worldwide trade. This strategic route plays a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of goods between the continents of Asia and Europe.
The United States has initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian on December 19. The operation aims to ensure the safety of ships navigating the Red Sea waters in close proximity to Yemen. Notably, over 20 countries have reportedly joined forces to partake in this crucial endeavor.
Houthi Red Sea Attack
In a recent announcement on December 24, Maersk, a prominent global cargo shipping company, revealed its plans to recommence sailing operations in the Red Sea. Despite ongoing attacks, the commitment of US allies to the coalition remains uncertain, as nearly half of them have chosen not to publicly declare their presence.
The Maersk Hangzhou vessel has fallen victim to a second attack by the Houthi group, resulting in a botched boarding operation. This incident comes just a day after the ship was targeted in a previous assault. A ship transporting a staggering 14,000 containers from Singapore has been struck by a missile. The unfortunate event took place approximately 55 nautical miles southwest of Al Hodeidah, Yemen, on Saturday.
According to the shipping company, the crew of the Maersk Hangzhou has been confirmed to be safe. Additionally, there have been no signs of fire detected on the vessel. Despite this incident, the ship is reported to be continuing its journey northward towards the Suez Canal.
During an interview on ABC's "Good Morning America," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby refrained from disclosing the potential courses of action that the United States is contemplating. When specifically questioned about the possibility of a preemptive strike on the Houthis, Kirby declined to provide any details.
The statement was made by an unidentified individual who emphasized the clear and public communication directed towards the Houthis. Additionally, it was stated that similar messages were conveyed privately to allies and partners in the region. The seriousness with which these threats are being regarded was underscored.
In an article published in the Daily Telegraph, British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps made a strong statement regarding the country's stance on safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Shapps emphasized that the United Kingdom is prepared to take decisive measures and will not shy away from additional actions aimed at deterring any potential threats to this fundamental principle.
In a firm statement, the speaker emphasized that the Houthis must not misinterpret the situation. They made it clear that their commitment lies in ensuring that those responsible for illegal seizures and attacks are held accountable.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has reportedly conveyed a message to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian during a phone call. Cameron urged Iran to play a role in putting an end to the ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
The BIMCO shipping association strongly condemned the attacks and expressed gratitude towards the states that played a crucial role in repelling them.
According to Jakob Larsen, the head of maritime safety and security at BIMCO, there is gratitude towards the efforts made by the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. Larsen expressed hope that additional states will join the coalition by providing naval assets or other impactful measures, such as diplomatic pressure on the Houthis and those supporting them, as per Reuters.
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