US Navy’s Decisive Helicopter Strike Against Houthi Rebels in Red Sea.
The recent incident in the Red Sea, involving U.S. Navy helicopters and Houthi rebels, escalated maritime tensions linked to the war in Gaza. The U.S. Central Command reported that the USS Gravely destroyer initially intercepted two anti-ship ballistic missiles aimed at the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou. Later, four small boats, manned by Houthi rebels, attacked the cargo ship with small arms fire and attempted to board it. In response, the USS Gravely and helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier intervened. The U.S. Navy helicopters sank three of the rebel boats, resulting in several casualties, while the fourth boat fled.
This incident marked the 23rd illegal attack by Houthis on international shipping since November 19 and was the first instance of the U.S. Navy reporting casualties among Houthi fighters since these Red Sea attacks began. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have targeted ships in the Red Sea, claiming they are linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports, as part of their strategy to oppose the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
Following these attacks, Maersk, the Denmark-based shipping giant and owner of Maersk Hangzhou, announced a temporary suspension of its shipping through the Red Sea. This decision underscores the heightened security concerns in the region. Furthermore, the establishment of a new international coalition, including countries like the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain, aims to protect vessels in the Red Sea, highlighting the international response to the increasing maritime security threats.
U.S. Navy helicopters engaged in self-defense during a recent clash in the Red Sea, sinking three out of four Houthi rebel boats and eliminating the threats aboard, while one boat escaped. The U.S. Central Command reported no injuries to American personnel or damage to the USS Gravely or the cargo ship involved.
The Houthi rebels admitted losing 10 fighters in this confrontation, marking it as the 23rd unauthorized attack on international shipping since November 19. This incident is the first recorded instance of U.S. Navy personnel causing Houthi fatalities during these maritime conflicts.
The Iran-supported Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea, claiming they are linked to Israel or Israeli ports, in retaliation for Israeli military actions in Gaza.
As a response to the escalating threat, the Denmark-based shipping company Maersk, owner of the targeted vessel Maersk Hangzhou, temporarily suspended its Red Sea operations. This decision was made to allow further investigation into the attacks and to reassess security measures.
In the wake of these attacks, the U.S. has spearheaded an international coalition, including the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain, to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea. Since the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, around 1,200 merchant ships have safely passed through the region without incident, highlighting the effectiveness of the coalition’s efforts.
Ultimately, a lasting resolution to the conflict will require a comprehensive political solution that addresses the grievances of all parties involved. Until then, the international community must remain vigilant in protecting vital shipping routes and ensuring the safety of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.