In a recent incident, U.S. helicopters successfully repelled an attack by Iran-backed Houthi militants on a Maersk container vessel in the Red Sea. The attack occurred around 0330 GMT on Sunday as the militants attempted to board the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou. Three Houthi ships were sunk, and 10 militants were reported dead.
The naval battle saw helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely joining the ship’s security team in repelling the attackers after a distress call was received. Maersk has decided to pause all sailing through the Red Sea for 48 hours following the attack.
The Houthi spokesperson stated that the attack was carried out because the ship’s crew refused to heed warning calls. The naval battle underscores the risk of regional escalation in the ongoing conflict, with Yemen’s Houthis targeting vessels in the Red Sea since November in solidarity with Hamas.
Impact on Shipping and Global Trade
Major shipping companies have opted for longer and costlier routes around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope instead of using the Suez Canal due to the increased risks in the Red Sea. The Red Sea serves as the entry point for ships using the Suez Canal, handling about 12% of global trade and playing a crucial role in the movement of goods between Asia and Europe.
The United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian on December 19, involving more than 20 countries in efforts to safeguard ships in Red Sea waters near Yemen. Despite Maersk’s decision to resume sailing through the Red Sea on December 24, attacks persist, and some US allies remain hesitant to publicly commit to the coalition.
Escalation of Tensions and International Response
The botched Houthi boarding operation on the Maersk Hangzhou follows a missile attack on the same vessel the day before. The crew remains safe, and the ship continues its journey north toward the Suez Canal.
The international response includes statements from White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron. Shapps emphasized a commitment to taking direct action to deter threats to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, while Cameron urged Iran to help stop Houthi attacks in the region.
The BIMCO shipping association condemned the attacks and expressed gratitude for the efforts of the U.S., French, and UK in repelling them. They called for more states to support the coalition with naval assets and diplomatic pressure on the Houthis and their sponsors.
The situation remains tense, and the global community closely watches for further developments in the region.
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