U.S. launches airstrikes against Houthis to secure maritime navigation in Red Sea

In the Middle East.

U.S. fighter jets targeted several Houthi drones launched from Yemen this past Sunday amid attacks on American Navy ships following U.S. bombings of Houthi militant sites in Yemen.

Our Choi Soo-hyung has the latest.

Powerful explosions occurred across many regions of Yemen, including its capital, Sanaa, over the weekend.

U.S. forces carried out more than 170 airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Middle Eastern country.

The U.S. targeted military bases, specifically their missile and drone capabilities in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The operation was aimed at deterring attacks on international shipping routes in the Red Sea and to secure maritime navigation there.

President Trump said the U.S. responded to Houthi attacks on American ships and aircraft in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Trump's national security adviser, Michael Waltz, told ABC News on Sunday that Iran should be held responsible for supporting the rebel group.

"This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out. And the difference here is, one, going after the Houthi leadership, and two, holding Iran responsible. It is Iran that has repeatedly funded, resourced, trained, and helped the Houthis "

The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported that the strikes resulted in at least 53 deaths and injured over 100 people.

In retaliation to the airstrikes, the self-styled Yemeni Armed Forces stated that they would target all American warships in the Red and Arabian Seas.

"The Yemeni Armed Forces will not hesitate to target all American warships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea in retaliation to the aggression against our country."

These forces carried out a military operation on Sunday, local time, with multiple ballistic missiles and drones, launched at the American aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and its battle-group.

However, the U.S. stated that 11 drones were shot down by U.S. aircraft, while the missiles malfunctioned and fell into the sea.

The United Nations expressed concern over the U.S. and Houthi clashes and urged for a halt to all military activities.

Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.