The U.S. military has destroyed three Iranian-backed Houthi ships after they attempted to board a merchant ship called the Maersk Hangzhou in the southern Red Sea. A fourth boat managed to escape. After receiving a warning, the United States Navy deployed several helicopters to undertake its mission.

"On Dec. 31 at 6:30am 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 Hangzhou returned fire," reported the U.S. Central Command.

"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 U.S. 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 U.S. personnel or equipment," added the Central Command.

Since the conflict in Israel began, the Houthis have outwardly supported the Hamas terrorist group and have attacked several targets in the Red Sea, mostly commercial ships. To counter their offensives, the Pentagon created a specific task force called Operation Guardians of Prosperity.