United States Navy helicopters eliminated the crews of three out of the four Iranian-backed Houthi boats, which made a second attempt to attack a Maersk merchant vessel within 24 hours, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday.
"On Dec. 31 at 6:30 am (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," CENTCOM added.
The command added that the US Navy helicopters retaliated after being fired upon by the Houthi rebels, sinking three of the four small boats and killing their crews. The remaining boat quickly fled the scene. There were no reports of casualties or damage to any US personnel or equipment.
