Title: Houthi Attacks on Ships Continue in Red Sea, Prompting US Navy Response
In another alarming incident, US Navy helicopters swiftly responded to a distress call from a Danish container ship, Maersk Hangzhou, after it came under attack from Houthi-controlled boats in the Red Sea. This marks the second attack within a 24-hour period on the vessel, further escalating concerns about maritime security in the region.
Upon their approach, the Houthi boats not only attempted to board the Maersk Hangzhou but also opened fire on it. In a courageous act of self-defense, helicopters deployed from nearby US warships engaged the attackers, successfully sinking three of the hostile boats while tragically resulting in the loss of their crews.
The Houthi forces have been targeting ships passing through the Red Sea since November, primarily aiming at vessels connected to Israel as a response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This sustained series of attacks has prompted an air of caution among shipping companies, with Maersk promptly suspending sailings through the Red Sea for 48 hours. It is notable that Maersk had only recently resumed using this route after earlier Houthi attacks.
The gravity of the situation led to the immediate response from the US Navy. Both the USS Gravely and USS Laboon responded to the initial attack on the Maersk Hangzhou, effectively neutralizing anti-ship missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas. These incidents prompted many shipping firms, including Maersk, to divert their vessels away from the Red Sea, as the Houthi attacks present a significant threat to maritime traffic.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait, located near the Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, serves as a critical passage for ships traveling to the Suez Canal. As a result, the rise in Houthi attacks has compelled ships to seek alternative routes, causing delays and increased costs for the shipping industry.
In response to these escalating attacks, the US launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, an international coalition aimed at safeguarding shipping in the region. Despite efforts, the Houthis have shown no signs of stopping their assaults on commercial ships. The US Department of Defense reported that since November alone, the Houthis have launched over 100 drone and ballistic missile attacks.
These incessant attacks have forced Maersk to divert its ships in the past, opting for the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope to ensure their safety. However, with the international coalition’s formation under Operation Prosperity Guardian, there is hope that increased security measures and coordinated efforts will finally bring an end to these senseless attacks.
As tensions remain high in the Red Sea, the international maritime community awaits further developments and prays for a swift resolution to this persistent threat to global trade.
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