US launches several strikes across Yemen in clear escalation with Houthi rebel group

The Iran-backed group said it would increase its targets in Israel in the coming hours and days unless the 'aggression' against Gaza ceased

A fighter plane prepares for take-off at an unidentified location for an operation against Yemen's Houthis on March 18. Reuters

The US launched more than 10 strikes on several targets across Yemen overnight including Saada province, and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah. Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that “a strike by the US aggression” attacked the Saada governorate, said the channel and Saba news agency on Wednesday.

The district, which houses weapons storage and training sites, is considered one of the group's most important and heavily fortified military strongholds, Yemeni sources told Reuters.

After weeks of relative calm in Red Sea shipping following a Gaza ceasefire in January, the rebel group warned last week that it would resume attacks on Israeli vessels in response to Israel's closure of Gaza's crossings.

US President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to hold Iran accountable for any future Houthi attacks, warning of severe consequences.

The Iranian leadership would be held responsible for “every shot fired by the Houthis”, he said, which have long been backed by Tehran. The group later said it had attacked a US aircraft carrier three times in the past two days.

People walk past a digital billboard featuring the Houthis' leader, Abdul Malik Al Houthi, in Sanaa, Yemen. Yemen's Houthis have condemned Israel's resumption of attacks against the Gaza Strip. EPA / YAHYA ARHAB

The Houthis first tried to attack the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea on Sunday following deadly US strikes on Yemen.

The Pentagon said it had struck 30 targets in Yemen since Saturday, in the biggest US military operation in the Middle East since Mr Trump returned to the White House.

Despite US pressure, the Houthis led by Abdul Malik Al Houthi have refused to scale back attacks in the Red Sea. The group has launched several attacks on international shipping in what they say is in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war.

On Tuesday, the Houthis said they would expand their targets in Israel in the coming hours and days unless the “aggression” against Gaza ceased. The group claimed that it attacked an Israeli airbase with a ballistic missile without providing evidence.

Houthi military spokesman Lt Col Yahya Saree, said that the group successfully attacked the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and other US warships with missiles and drones, thwarting the US assault.

On Tuesday, the Israeli military said it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen towards Israeli territory. Sirens had sounded in several areas of Israel.

The Houthi group has repeatedly fired drones and missiles towards Israel in what it has described as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The firing of the missile came after Israel resumed air strikes in Gaza that killed more than 400 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, ending weeks of relative calm after talks to secure a permanent ceasefire stalled.

“Yemen, its leadership, people, and army will not stand idly by while witnessing all the massacres against our people in Gaza,” Lt Col Saree said in a televised address.

Houthi 'barbarians' will be 'annihilated', Trump says