Houthi Rebels from Yemen have attacked US helicopters as well as another merchant vessel in the Red Sea, it has been reported.
US military says that the container ship Maersk Hangzhou put out a second distress call in 24 hours after coming under attack from the Iran-backed group.
US helicopters from the USS Eisenhower and Gravely responded. They exchanged fire with the Houthi Rebels after being shot at.
There was no damage to US personnel or equipment. Three of the four Houthi boats were taken out, killing the crews on board.
Reporting the incident on X, US Central Command said: “On December 31 at 6:30am (Sanaa time) the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU issued a second distress call in less than 24 hours reporting being under attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats.
“The small boats, originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, fired crew served and small arms weapons at the MAERSK HANGZHOU, getting to within 20 meters of the vessel, and attempted to board the vessel.
“A contract embarked security team on the MAERSK HANZGHOU returned fire. U.S. helicopters from the USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and GRAVELY (DDG 107) responded to the distress call and in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with crew served weapons and small arms.
“The US Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews. The fourth boat fled the area. There was no damage to US personnel or equipment.”
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