Article Summary
US helicopters have sunk three Houthi boats in the Red Sea after coming under fire, marking the first US killing of members of the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group. The White House insists it is not seeking a wider conflict in the Middle East. The US has been avoiding directly striking the group inside Yemen to avoid further escalation. The Houthis have been targeting commercial and merchant vessels in the Red Sea, and have conducted dozens of attacks on such vessels since 7 October, claiming they are acting in solidarity with Hamas.
The White House maintains its position against a wider conflict in the Middle East
Following the sinking of three Houthi boats by US helicopters in the Red Sea, the White House reiterated on Sunday its stance against escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
US helicopters sink three Houthi boats in the Red Sea
The helicopters sunk the boats, killing those aboard, marking the first time the US has killed members of the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group since tensions escalated this year.
US avoids direct conflict to prevent crisis escalation
The US has refrained from directly striking the Houthis inside Yemen to avoid further crisis escalation. Yet, the US National Security Council stated that it would persist in self-defense actions.
US calls for cessation of Houthi attacks
“We’re not seeking a wider regional conflict or conflict with the Houthis. We repeatedly urge the Houthis to cease these attacks,” said the National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby.
US returns fire on Houthi attack
Four small boats from “Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen” attacked the Maersk Hangzhou with small arms and attempted to board. The merchant vessel returned fire after a security team on board came under attack.
US Navy responds to distress call
Helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and Gravely responded to the Maersk Hangzhou’s distress call and were fired on by the Houthi boats. The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire, sinking three boats and killing the crews, with no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment.
Houthis attack commercial vessels
The Houthis have launched numerous attacks on commercial vessels since October 7, claiming they are acting in solidarity with Hamas amidst its war with Israel.
US deploys warships to reinforce security in the Red Sea
The US has stationed warships in the Red Sea and initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian last month, a multinational maritime coalition, to enhance security in this crucial global shipping lane.
Biden refrains from striking Houthis in Yemen
Although President Joe Biden has approved strikes on other Iranian proxy groups that have attacked American troops in Iraq and Syria, he has refrained from striking the Houthis in Yemen.
US emphasizes self-defense and national security
“We have significant national security interests in the region … and we will put necessary forces to protect those interests, and act in self-defense,” Kirby affirmed.
White House stands firm amidst potential threats
Kirby reiterated the White House stance on any preemptive strike in the region, asserting, “We take these threats seriously, and we will make the right decisions going forward.”
Read More US Political News
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics.
