SANAA, Yemen

Yemen’s Houthi rebel group said Sunday that 10 of its members had been killed in a US attack in the Red Sea.

A statement by rebel spokesman Yahya Saree said three Houthi boats were attacked by US forces in the Red Sea.

"The attack took place as Houthi naval forces were carrying out their routine duties to establish security, stability, and protect maritime navigation," he added.

The Houthi spokesman held the US responsible for the "consequences and repercussions of this crime."

"The US military actions in the Red Sea to protect Israeli ships will not prevent Yemen from fulfilling its religious, moral, and humanitarian duty in support of the oppressed in Palestine and Gaza," he said.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said early Sunday that its helicopters responded to a distress call from a Maersk vessel in the Red Sea and exchanged fire with Houthi boats.

"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."

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have significantly stepped up their involvement in the current conflict in the Gaza Strip by targeting what they say are Israel-bound vessels in the southern Red Sea. It said the attacks aim to support Palestinians under 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 announced on Dec. 18, the creation of a multinational mission -- Operation Prosperity Guardian -- to counter Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Ankara