US: Houthi Claims of 'Successful Attack' on American Ship Are 'Clearly False'

On Monday, February 21, the Fifth Fleet of the United States Navy rejected the Houthi militants' claim of a 'successful attack' on an American ship. The statement released on social media platform 'X' stated: 'The Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists' report about an alleged successful attack on the Ocean Jazz is clearly false.' According to the Fifth Fleet, the U.S. Navy Central Command maintained constant communication with the 'Ocean Jazz' during its 'safe' passage. The Iranian-backed Houthis announced on Monday that they had launched a missile attack on an American military cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis did not specify the location, time, or damages resulting from their alleged attack. According to Yahya Saree, the spokesperson for the Houthis, this Iranian-backed group will continue its 'retaliatory' attacks against what they describe as 'American and British aggression.' In recent weeks, U.S. and British forces have targeted positions of this Iranian-backed group in Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea. Initially, the Houthis claimed they would only target vessels linked to Israel, but later stated they would also attack American ships. The British maritime security company 'Ambrey' reported that the ship the Houthis claimed to have attacked had a contract with the U.S. military. Houthi attacks on passing vessels in the Red Sea have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and raised global concerns about escalating war in Gaza. The Iranian-backed Houthis claim their attacks are a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Following Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, including women, children, and the elderly, and over 240 hostages taken, Israel began its assault on Gaza aimed at destroying this Islamist group. Israel claims that 130 hostages remain in Gaza, although approximately 100 of them are believed to be alive. The U.S., UK, EU, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Wednesday, January 17, that the group 'Ansar Allah,' also known as the Houthis, will be designated as an international terrorist organization by the U.S. within 30 days. He stated that this decision was made in response to Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in international shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as against military forces stationed in the region to ensure the safety and security of shipping. A senior U.S. military official stated that the Islamic Republic has a 'direct role' in Houthi attacks on ships. Reuters reported that the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah in Lebanon are assisting Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The Houthis promised maritime security in the Red Sea to Russia and China. The White House confirmed that the U.S. targeted Houthi positions three times on Friday. India reported that it rescued 22 crew members of an American ship following Houthi attacks. The U.S. conducted another attack on Houthi positions; CENTCOM reported that it destroyed fourteen missiles ready to be launched by the Houthis. Another commercial vessel was attacked in the Gulf of Aden. The U.S. stated that recent Iranian missile attacks violate the sovereignty of Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan. Businesses are concerned about the consequences of ongoing tensions in the Red Sea. Qatar stated that the best way to stop Houthi attacks is to end the war in Gaza. The U.S. government has changed its position; it is once again designating the Houthis as 'global terrorists.'