Missiles
AL-MUKALLA, Yemen: In a significant turn of events, US Navy helicopters thwarted a Houthi attempt to kidnap a commercial ship in the Red Sea, resulting in the destruction of three Houthi boats and the demise of the assailants. This marks the first instance of Houthi casualties caused by US forces since their operations in the Red Sea began in November. The incident unfolded at around 0330 GMT on Sunday when the Houthi attackers sought to board the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou.
Upon receiving a distress call, helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely, along with the ship’s security team, repelled the attackers. The helicopters sank three boats, killing their crews, while a fourth boat managed to escape after attempting to engage the helicopters. The US military clarified that the action was taken in self-defense, with no harm to US personnel or equipment.
The USS Gravely had previously shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis, responding to a request for assistance from the container ship Maersk Hangzhou. This brings the total of Houthi Red Sea attacks since 19 to 23 November. The Red Sea, vital for global trade through the Suez Canal, has been a focal point of Houthi activities, including attacks on commercial and naval ships.
Houthi spokespersons claimed the attack was prompted by the ship’s crew ignoring warnings. Ten Houthi naval personnel were reported dead or missing after the US forces’ counteraction. Analysts suggest that the US Navy’s decisive response reflects a red line crossed by the Houthis, who had been testing US tolerance in recent weeks.
Experts like Elisabeth Kendall believe the US Navy’s preparedness this time contrasts with the surprise caused by the Houthi hijacking of the Galaxy Leader in November. The Houthis’ recent actions, firing on both the ship and US Navy helicopters, justified the forceful US retaliation as self-defense.
While the Houthis have threatened retaliation, experts emphasize the group’s reluctance to escalate conflicts in the Red Sea, as it could jeopardize UN-brokered peace talks offering them political legitimacy. Despite this, the Houthis continue sporadic attacks, underscoring the complexity of the situation and the challenges faced by the international coalition seeking to safeguard Red Sea waters near Yemen.
