US Navy Sinks Three Boats Of Yemen's Iran-Backed Houthi Rebels In Response To Attack On Merchant Vessel In Red Sea

On Sunday (31 December), the US military reported that three vessels, operated by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels and had previously attacked a container ship in the Red Sea, were sunk by US Navy helicopters.

In response to the Houthis' attack on US helicopters, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that they "retaliated in self-defense". This resulted in the sinking of three out of four small boats that had approached within 20 meters of the ship, and the demise of their crews.

According to CENTCOM, a second attack within 24 hours was reported by the Maersk Hangzhou, a container ship flagged in Singapore, owned and operated by Denmark, while it was navigating the Red Sea. The navy responded to the ship's plea for help.

Previously, the ship had been the focus of two anti-ship ballistic missile attacks, which were successfully intercepted by the US military.

A missile, originating from Yemen under Houthi control, struck the Maersk Hangzhou, Hindustan Times reported.

The Houthis have consistently aimed at ships in the crucial Red Sea trade route, asserting that these attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, who are currently engaged in conflict with the militant organisation, Hamas.

The assaults are threatening a transport passage responsible for nearly 12 per cent of worldwide trade, leading to the establishment of a multinational naval task force by the United States this month to safeguard Red Sea shipping.