Yemen’s Houthi organization stated that US Navy forces in the Red Sea killed ten of its militants. Yahya Sarea, the Houthi military spokesman, said the US targeted three Houthi boats while they were hijacking a commercial ship in international waters. Sarea said the Houthi rebels were blocking Israel-related ships from crossing the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians.
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Red Sea Clash: Houthi Rebels Allege US Responsibility, US Central Command Reports Self-Defense Action in Defense of Merchant Ship
The Houthi official said the US “bears the consequences of this crime” and that military activities in the Red Sea to defend Israeli ships will not discourage them from backing Palestine and Gaza. The official said the rebels hit the cargo ship “with appropriate naval missiles,” but the outcome was unknown.
In contrast, the US Central Command said its naval forces reacted to a distress call from a merchant boat in the Red Sea under Houthi attack. Washington reported sinking three Houthi boats and killing their crews in self-defense. The Singapore-flagged container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU sent distress calls after four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats attacked.
Houthi militants tried to board the MAERSK HANGZHOU by firing small guns, according to the US Central Command. US helicopters from the USS EISENHOWER and GRAVELY sank three Houthi boats and forced the fourth to flee. The statement said no US soldiers or equipment was damaged.
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USS GRAVELY Intercepts Houthi Missile Strikes on MAERSK HANGZHOU Amidst Rising Tensions
The US Central Command said that the MAERSK HANGZHOU was hit by a missile in the southern Red Sea and that the USS GRAVELY intercepted two Houthi-fired anti-ship ballistic missiles.
The Houthi rebel militia and Israel-linked ships have clashed more since the Israel-Hamas confrontation on October 7. Houthi rebels want food and medication in Gaza. Rebel militias rule northern Yemen, including Sanaa and Hodeidah, a Red Sea port.
The issue highlights geopolitical tensions, marine security concerns, and Middle East wars in the region.
READ ALSO: Yemen’s Houthi group says 10 fighters killed by US Navy forces in Red Sea
