According to a report, the u.s. have destroyed three houthi boats after four boats fired upon the Maersk Hangzhou in a Red Sea shipping lane, got within 20 metres of the container ship and attempted to board it. Reportedly, helicopters from nearby u.s. warships, USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier and USS Gravely destroyer responded to a call for help and were shot at while in the process of issuing verbal calls. According to the report, they destroyed three boats, one boat fled.
Reportedly, Houthi forces have been attacking ships in the area since November. According to the report, it was the second attack on the Maersk Hangzhou in 24 hours which was the first succesful attack since a maritime taskforce was launched on 18 December.
Reportedly, in order to reach the Suez canal, ships must pass through the tiny Bab al Manbad just off the coast of Houthi controlled areas of Yemen. According to the report, Houthis have said the attacks are directed at vessels linked to Israel. Reportedly, Maersk, one of the largest shipping companies in the world have paused sailings through the Red Sea for 48 hours.
According to reports, Houthis have been fighting a civil war against the government in Yemen since 2014. Reportedly, the government is backed by a coalition of arab countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab emirates. Former reports were that the u.s. paid Saudi Arabia for Yemen’s oil.