Houthis claim direct hit on American warship as Red Sea attacks continue

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed to have fought off two US warships, reporting a “direct hit” on one, while the vessels were “protecting two American commercial ships” in the Red Sea.

The US said it intercepted missiles fired at two vessels operated by Maersk, the logistics company that handles about 15 per cent of container shipping globally.

The company said on Thursday both ships “reported seeing explosions close by” and the US Navy intercepted several projectiles.

Maesk also said it was halting Red Sea movements by vessels of its US subsidiary Maersk Line Limited.

“Following the escalation of risk, MLL is suspending transits in the region until further notice,” it said. The US Navy did not announce any casualties or damage to its ships, which are protected by layers of air defence systems and air patrols that can shoot down Houthi cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.

Maersk has periodically suspended operations in the Red Sea since November 19 when the Houthis hijacked a ship, the Galaxy Leader.

A multinational coalition intervened to protect the shipping lane, which carries about 12 per cent of global maritime trade, leading the company to resume operations.

But they were suspended again in late December when one of its ships, Maersk Hangzhou, was struck by a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis and came under attack from militia boats, three of which were sunk by US helicopters.

Both commercial vessels involved in the latest incident were operated by Maersk Line Limited, which carries cargo for the US government agencies including the Department of Defence, the Department of State and USAID.

Both are enrolled in the Maritime Security Programme and Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement with the US, which is why they were escorted through the strait by naval vessels, Maersk said.

The vessels and crew were unharmed and were being escorted back to the Gulf of Aden by the US Navy, the company added.

Bab Al Mandeb is the outlet of the Red Sea, between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea on the African coast.

Seafarers remain in the line of fire and many have signed agreements to receive double pay when entering the highrisk zones.