"US Navy Neutralizes Houthi Threat in Red Sea, Asserts Defensive Stance"

The White House has clarified that the United States is not seeking to escalate conflict in the Middle East following an incident where US helicopters sank three Houthi boats in the Red Sea, killing their crews. The action was taken in self-defense after the boats, originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, attacked a commercial vessel and fired upon the responding US helicopters. This marks the first direct US engagement with the Iranian-backed Houthis, who have been targeting shipping in the region. The US has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect the critical shipping lane and maintains its stance on acting in self-defense while avoiding broader conflict.