US Navy helicopters sank three Houthi rebel boats attacking a cargo ship in the first reported deadly clash between the US and the Iranian terror proxy.
The US military scrambled the choppers after a Maersk container vessel sent out distress calls the Houthis were swarming the ship.
APIt is the first deadly clash between the US and the militia group in the Red Sea[/caption]
ReutersThe moment the Houthis attacked the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in late November[/caption]
In the biggest confrontation between the US and the Houthis since the Israel-Hamas war broke out, helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely returned fire on the Houthi boats in “self-defence”.
All militants onboard the three sunken ships were killed.
The US Central Command said: “The small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with crew served weapons and small arms.
“The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews. The fourth boat fled the area.
“There was no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment.”
Danish shipping company Maersk confirmed that the crew onboard Maersk Hangzhou had reported a flash on deck on Dec 30 yesterday evening.
“The crew was safe and there was no indication of fire onboard the vessel that was fully manoeuvrable and continued its journey north to Port Suez,” Maersk said.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have been wreaking havoc in the Red Sea as they have vowed to attack all ships that may be headed to or from Israeli ports in solidarity with Hamas.
Last night, Britain and America last night moved closer to launching air strikes on the rebels who are turning one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes into a war zone.
Defence chiefs were in talks over a possible armed response on the militias sites in Yemen that are being used to launch attacks on vessels.
Sources said eight of the 20 ships attacked in the 30 days before Christmas were either UK-registered, had Brits in their crew or carried goods for the UK.
Major shipping firms such as BP and Maersk are diverting vessels away from the Red Sea amid concerns the crisis will drive up the price of goods and inflation.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps warned: “Those terrorists who are disrupting trade in the Red Sea are drinking in the last chance saloon.
“Diplomatic efforts have been made to find a resolution but with limited success.
“We cannot allow one of the world’s key waterways that serves global trade to be held for ransom.
“Attacks on commercial shipping with drones and missiles is an attack on all of us and the culture and freedoms we cherish.”
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Q&A on Yemen’s Houthi rebels
WHO are the Houthis?
SHIA Islamist rebels who are in control of much of western Yemen. They formed in the 1990s and are backed by Iran.
Their slogan is “Death to America, Death to Israel, curse the Jews and victory to Islam”.
WHY are they attacking ships?
TO show support for Hamas following the outbreak of its war with Israel. On 19 November, the Houthis promised to target vessels they believe are heading to and from Israel.
ARE they a danger to the UK?
YES. The attacks disrupt global supply routes. Ships are sailing further which could see prices and inflation go up.
Delays in natural gas shipments will force energy costs to rise
