Iranian-backed Houthi militants launched an attack on a Maersk container vessel in the Red Sea, leading Maersk to temporarily halt all sailing through the area. The attack took place early on Sunday as the militants tried to board the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou. In response to a distress call, helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely joined the ship’s security team in repelling the attackers. Following the incident, Maersk announced a 48-hour pause in sailing through the Red Sea.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it was carried out because the ship’s crew ignored warning calls. According to a spokesman for the group, 10 Houthi naval personnel were killed or missing after their boats were attacked by U.S. forces. This naval battle highlights the potential for an escalation in regional conflict as Israel continues its attack campaign following a surprise cross-border attack by Hamas terrorists.
Yemen’s Houthis have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea since November as a show of support for Hamas. This has led major shipping companies to opt for the longer and costlier route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope instead of using the Suez Canal. The Red Sea is a crucial entry point for ships using the canal, which handles approximately 12 percent of global trade and is vital for trade between Asia and Europe.
In an effort to safeguard ships in Red Sea waters near Yemen, the United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian on December 19. However, attacks have persisted, and many U.S. allies have been hesitant to publicly commit to the coalition. Maersk, one of the world’s leading cargo shippers, had previously announced its intention to resume sailing through the Red Sea but has faced continued attacks.
The recent attack on the Maersk Hangzhou was the second in two days. Despite being hit by a missile on Saturday, the ship continued its journey north towards the Suez Canal. The crew was reported to be safe, and there were no signs of fire onboard. When asked about potential preemptive strikes on the Houthis, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby stated that the U.S. takes these threats seriously but did not disclose specific options.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged Iran to help stop the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, emphasizing Iran’s responsibility due to its longstanding support for the Houthis. The BIMCO shipping association condemned the attacks and expressed gratitude to the U.S., France, and the UK for their efforts in repelling them. BIMCO’s head of maritime safety and security called for more states to support the coalition through naval assets, diplomatic pressure, or other impactful means.
In conclusion, the attack on the Maersk container vessel by Houthi militants underscores the ongoing risks in the Red Sea and the potential for regional escalation. It highlights the importance of safeguarding shipping routes and maintaining stability in the area.
