US and UK launch more strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

US and UK forces have launched more strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen in response to the group's increased attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Around 18 targets were hit, including missiles, launchers, rockets, drones and unmanned vehicles, according to anonymous US officials.

This is the fourth joint operation against the Houthis by the US and UK since 12 January. However, the US has also been conducting almost daily strikes against Houthi targets.

US fighter jets were launched from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, currently located in the Red Sea. President Joe Biden and other senior leaders have warned that the US will not tolerate Houthi attacks on commercial shipping.

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Despite this, the counterattacks have not seemed to deter the Houthis' campaign against shipping in the region, which they claim is a response to Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The group has carried out at least 57 attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 19, with an increase in recent days.

There have been at least 32 US strikes in Yemen over the past month and a half; a few were conducted with allied involvement. In addition, US warships have intercepted several missiles, rockets and drones targeting commercial and other Navy vessels.

Earlier on Saturday, USS Mason, a destroyer, shot down a missile that was launched from areas in Yemen controlled by the Houthis towards the Gulf of Aden. The missile was repeatedly targeting MV Torm Thor, a US-flagged chemical and oil tanker.

During normal operations, about 400 commercial vessels transit the southern Red Sea at any given time. While the Houthi attacks have