US forces have engaged with the Houthi rebels in an intense confrontation in the Red Sea, resulting in the death of at least 10 fighters, the rebels confirmed on Sunday. This deadly escalation saw US forces taking action against three Houthi vessels after a cargo ship, the Maersk Hangzhou, was attacked by Houthi forces. The events unfolded as the USS Gravely shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles and the Maersk Hangzhou reported being hit by missiles. Following this, four small boats attacked the cargo ship with small arms fire and attempted to board it.

The USS Gravely and helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower responded to the distress call, giving verbal warnings to the attackers. The Houthi rebels, however, responded by firing on the helicopters, prompting the US Navy to fire back in self-defence, resulting in three boats being sunk and several Houthi fighters being killed. These attacks mark the 23rd incident of illegal attacks by the Houthis on international shipping since November 19. The conflict has caused global shipping companies, such as Maersk, to suspend operations in the region for 48 hours, underscoring the continued threat to commercial vessels in the area.

The Houthis have repeatedly targeted vessels they believe are linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports, aiming to end the Israeli military offensive in Gaza triggered by a previous attack. These attacks have prompted concerns about the safety of submarine communications cables running under the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which power internet networks. The clash comes amidst a global naval task force set up by the US to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea, with only the UK directly contributing warships.

Despite efforts to provide safety for commercial ships in the region, Houthi attacks on passing vessels have not ceased. The conflict has also raised fears of spillover into Yemeni territory, potentially sparking another war in the region. These events demonstrate the complex and dangerous geopolitical dynamics at play in the Red Sea and highlight the need for continued vigilance and strategic planning to mitigate further escalation.