The U.S. military took action in response to an attack by Houthi rebels on a cargo ship in the Red Sea. The USS Gravely destroyer defended the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou against two anti-ship ballistic missiles and subsequent attacks by four small boats. The USS Gravely and helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier intervened after the cargo ship’s distress call. Following verbal warnings to the attackers, U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three boats and causing casualties among the Houthi fighters.
This marks the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19. The Houthis, linked to Iran, claim these attacks are related to Israel and aim to counter Israeli actions in Gaza. However, the connections between the targeted ships and Israel have become less clear.
Maersk, the shipping company owning Maersk Hangzhou, announced a suspension of shipping through the Red Sea for 48 hours following the recent incident. The U.S. naval forces’ top commander in the Middle East noted that Houthi attacks on commercial ships persist, despite international efforts to protect vessels in the Red Sea. Operation Prosperity Guardian, initiated by the Pentagon, involves a coalition of nations to enhance maritime security in the region. Over 1,200 merchant ships have safely transited through the Red Sea since the operation’s commencement.
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