WASHINGTON

The US said on Sunday that it fired toward Houthi boats which “in self-defense, ” caused three of the four small boats sinking and killing the crew.

“On Dec. 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,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on X.

A security team aboard the MAERSK HANZGHOU engaged in fire and that in response to a distress call, US helicopters from the USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and GRAVELY (DDG 107) were also dispatched.

After being warned verbally, people in the small boats opened fire on the US 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,” it added.

No damage to US personnel and equipment was reported.

The US said Saturday it shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles in the Red Sea in response to a Houthi attack on a merchant vessel.

"Today at approximately 8:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU reported that they were struck by a missile while transiting the Southern Red Sea.

"The Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned/operated container ship requested assistance, and the USS GRAVELY (DDG 107) and USS LABOON (DDG 58) have responded to the ship," US Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote on X.

The vessel is reportedly seaworthy and there are no reported injuries, it said, adding: "This is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19."

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have significantly stepped up their involvement in the current conflict in the Gaza Strip by targeting vessels in the southern Red Sea. The group has warned that it will attack all Israel-bound ships. It said the attacks are to support Palestinians as they face Israel's "aggression and siege" in Gaza.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced the creation of a multinational mission -- Operation Prosperity Guardian -- to counter Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.