(U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class D.C. Dillon/ Released)

By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

In a significant escalation of the maritime conflict linked to the war in Gaza, the U.S. Navy took action against Houthi rebels after they attacked a cargo ship in the Red Sea. The incident unfolded late Saturday when the USS Gravely destroyer intercepted two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired at the Singapore-flagged Maersk Hangzhou. The cargo ship had reported being hit by a missile earlier that evening while sailing through the Southern Red Sea.

Responding to a subsequent attack by four small boats using small arms fire early Sunday, the USS Gravely and helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier issued verbal warnings to the attackers. The rebels responded by firing on the helicopters, prompting U.S. Navy helicopters to return fire in self-defense. Three of the four attacking boats were sunk, resulting in casualties among the Houthi fighters. The fourth boat fled the area, and no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment was reported.

The U.S. Central Command labeled this event as the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since November 19. Notably, it marked the first time U.S. Navy personnel killed Houthi fighters in response to the Red Sea attacks. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on ships in the Red Sea, alleging connections to Israel or Israeli-bound vessels. These attacks are said to be in response to the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack in southern Israel.

Despite the claims, the links between the targeted ships and Israel have become increasingly tenuous as the attacks persist. Maersk, the Denmark-based shipping giant and owner of Maersk Hangzhou, announced the suspension of shipping through the Red Sea for the next 48 hours following the recent attack on its freighter. The company emphasized the need to investigate the incident and assess the security situation.

U.S. naval forces in the Middle East have expressed concern over the Houthi rebels’ continued “reckless” attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. The establishment of an international coalition, including the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain, aims to protect vessels in the vital waterway. Despite the international maritime mission, Houthi attacks persist, prompting the U.S. Navy to take direct action in response to the latest assault on the Maersk Hangzhou.