U.S. military forces hit underground weapons storage facilities in Houthi-controlled areas of north-western areas of Yemen overnight, targeting the Iran-backed group's ability to attack vessels in the Red Sea.

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said the strikes targeted underground facilities that store various weapons components that Houthis use against civilians

The US carried out a round of strikes in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthis on Wednesday evening, according to three US defense officials, targeting weapons storage facilities, including underground facilities.