The US and UK have initiated strikes on targets in Yemen in response to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, as confirmed by a U.S. official to CBS News on Thursday night. The Iranian-backed Houthis have been conducting a series of drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea since the outset of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

On Tuesday, the Houthis carried out one of the most significant attacks in the Red Sea. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), three US destroyers, accompanied by U.S. F-18s and a British warship, successfully intercepted and downed 18 drones and multiple missiles launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

Referred to as a "complex attack" by CENTCOM, this event took place within a week of a collective statement released by the U.S. and several other countries. The statement cautioned the Houthis about potential repercussions should they continue their attacks.

Last Wednesday, the White House released the joint statement, stating, "The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and the free flow of commerce in the region's critical waterways."

A congressional source said on Thursday that the Biden administration had briefed congressional leaders on plans to conduct strikes on Houthi rebel targets in Yemen according to CBS News.