Watch: Super Hornets strike Houthi targets in Yemen
The US Central Command (Centcom) says the US military has launched a series of strikes on Houthi rebel targets across Yemen, aimed at deterring attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.
In a statement on X, Centcom said the strikes are intended "to defend American interest, deter enemies and restore freedom of navigation".
The UK military, a US coalition partner in the region, provided routine refuelling support for the operation.
In a post on Truth Social, US president Donald Trump said: "Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at US aircraft and targeted our troops and allies."
"These relentless assaults have cost the US and world economy many billions of dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk."
The Houthi leadership claims more than 50 people were killed in the US strikes.
US President Donald Trump says Houthi attacks on shipping are costing billions of dollars
US president Donald Trump says Houthi attacks on shipping are costing billions of dollars (Picture:MOD)
Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have been fighting government forces in Yemen since 2014.
More recently, they have carried out numerous attacks on international commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, targeting dozens of merchant vessels with missiles, drones and small boat attacks.
They have sunk two vessels, seized a third and killed four crew members.
The group, which has ties to Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as the regime in Tehran, has vowed to continue attacking Western ships to avenge Israeli actions in Gaza.
Super Hornet takes off from USS Harry S Truma
A Super Hornet takes off from USS Truman to carry out a strike (Picture: US Navy)
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth says the US response will be "unrelenting" from now on, marking a more assertive tone towards Iran from the Trump administration.
But the Houthis vow to keep attacking international shipping until Israel lifts its blockade of Gaza.
However many of the ships hit by Houthis did not appear to have connections to either Israel, the US or the UK.
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