U.S. repels Houthi attack on Maersk vessel in Red Sea, sinks 3 ships, and kills 10

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U.S. repels Houthi attack on Maersk vessel in Red Sea, sinks 3 ships, and kills 10

DUBAI (HORN OBSERVER) – In a dramatic incident on Sunday, U.S. helicopters thwarted an attack by Iran-backed Houthi militants on a Maersk container vessel in the Red Sea, resulting in the sinking of three ships and the death of 10 militants.

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PHOTO: U.S Central Command.

DUBAI (HORN OBSERVER) – In a dramatic incident on Sunday, U.S. helicopters thwarted an attack by Iran-backed Houthi militants on a Maersk container vessel in the Red Sea, resulting in the sinking of three ships and the death of 10 militants.

Accounts from American, Maersk, and Houthi officials shed light on the naval battle that unfolded around 0330 GMT when the attackers attempted to board the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou, as reported by Reuters on Monday.

The USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely helicopters, responding to a distress call, joined the ship’s security team in repelling the assailants, as reported by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Maersk, reacting to the attack, announced a 48-hour pause on all sailing through the Red Sea. A spokesman for the Houthis stated that the attack occurred because the ship’s crew ignored warning calls, leading to 10 Houthi naval personnel being reported as "dead and missing” after their boats were targeted by U.S. forces in the Red Sea.

The incident underscores the risk of regional escalation, with Israel’s ongoing bombing campaign following a Hamas surprise attack and the Houthis targeting vessels in the Red Sea since November to express support for Hamas.

The Red Sea, a critical entry point for the Suez Canal handling about 12% of global trade, is at the center of heightened tensions.

The United States initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian on Dec. 19, with over 20 countries participating to safeguard ships in Red Sea waters near Yemen.

Despite Maersk’s earlier decision to resume sailing through the Red Sea, attacks persisted, and U.S. allies displayed reluctance to commit to the coalition, with nearly half not publicly declaring their presence.

This failed Houthi boarding operation marked the second attack on the Maersk Hangzhou in as many days.

The vessel, carrying 14,000 containers from Singapore, had previously been hit by a missile southwest of Al Hodeidah, Yemen, on Saturday.

Maersk assured the safety of the crew and indicated no signs of fire onboard, as the ship continued its journey north toward the Suez Canal.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, when pressed on potential U.S. actions, declined to disclose specific options but emphasized that the U.S. takes the threats seriously, communicating this stance to the Houthis, allies, and partners in the region.