**Breaking News: Pirates Open Fire on US Navy Helicopter – Swift Retaliation Ensues**

In a shocking escalation of maritime violence, pirates in the Gulf of Aden mistakenly targeted a US Navy MH60R Seahawk helicopter, igniting a rapid response from the world’s most powerful naval force. At 0612 hours local time, the helicopter, call sign Saber 71, was conducting a routine patrol at 800 feet when it was fired upon by armed assailants aboard a skiff, who unleashed a barrage of gunfire and even brandished an RPG launcher.

The reckless attack, which included tracer rounds that ricocheted off the helicopter, was met with immediate and calculated retaliation. Saber 71’s crew executed evasive maneuvers and communicated with the USS Mason, the guided missile destroyer providing cover. Within moments, the Navy’s rules of engagement were activated, authorizing a proportional response.

As the pirates attempted to scatter, they faced the full might of the US Navy. Saber 71 unleashed a warning burst of fire from its M240 machine gun, sending a clear message that they had crossed a line. Meanwhile, two rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) were deployed from the USS Mason, carrying elite boarding teams ready to neutralize the threat.

The pirates, realizing their dire mistake, surrendered as the Navy closed in. With weapons recovered and the assailants zip-tied, the operation concluded with no US casualties. However, this incident is not just another skirmish; it highlights the growing audacity of piracy in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Intelligence gathered from the detained pirates will be crucial in understanding the networks behind these attacks. The Gulf of Aden remains a hotspot for piracy, and the US Navy’s swift and decisive action today sends a stark warning to potential aggressors: attacking a US Navy helicopter is a grave miscalculation with severe consequences. As tensions rise, the question remains—how far will the Navy go to ensure maritime security in these perilous waters?