US launches fresh strikes on 15 Houthi rebel targets in Yemen

The US has conducted strikes on 15 targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen amid intensified attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.

Officials from the US Central Command said the strikes were launched “to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer”.

It comes after an oil tanker was engulfed in flames after being targeted by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Tuesday.on Tuesday.

US military aircraft and warships struck Houthi strongholds at roughly five locations.

According to local media, seven strikes hit the airport in Hodeida and the Katheib area – a military base.

Four more strikes hit the Seiyana area in Sanaa, the capital, and two strikes hit the Dhamar province.

Residents said that an attack on al-Bayda province targeted several Houthi military outposts.

The Houthis have initiated almost 100 attacks on ships crossing the Red Sea since November.

They say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians amid the year-long war in Gaza.

The Houthis have sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least four seafarers.

In a statement, the US Central Command said: “Forces conducted strikes on 15 Houthi targets in Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen today at about 5pm (Sanaa time).

“These targets included Houthi offensive military capabilities.

“These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US, coalition, and merchant vessels.”

The Biden administration has been acting mostly defensively against Houthi strikes in the Red Sea.

The UK Ministry of Defence has denied any involvement in the strikes, according to Al Jazeera.