US Navy Thwarts Houthi Attack on Merchant Ship in Red Sea
US Central Command has reported that its naval forces responded on Sunday to a distress call from the Singapore-flagged container ship Maersk Hangzhou, which was under attack by Yemeni Houthi forces in the Red Sea. The ship issued its second distress call in less than 24 hours, reporting an assault by four small boats from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
The Houthis attempted to board the Maersk Hangzhou, firing small arms and approaching within 20 meters of the vessel. In response, US helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely intervened. The helicopters, after being fired upon by the small boats, retaliated in self-defense, sinking three of the boats and eliminating their crews. The fourth boat fled the scene.
US Central Command confirmed that there were no damages to US personnel or equipment.
On Saturday, the USS Gravely had successfully intercepted two anti-ship ballistic missiles launched from Houthi-controlled areas toward the ships. This incident was the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since November 19.
The Houthis, controlling much of northern Yemen, have intensified attacks on ships since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. The group has not yet commented on the latest incident.
