British and US strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen leaves 'at least two dead'

British and US militaries have launched fresh strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen for the first time in three months as local media report at least two people dead.

US and British forces hit 13 targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, the US Central Command said.

In a joint operation, three locations were targeted in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.

According to Houthi-run Al Masirah TV, at least two people have been killed and 10 are injured in Hodeidah's Al-Hawk district.

A Houthi policeman takes part in a protest against recent U.S.-led strikes on Houthi targets, near Sanaa, Yemen

It marks the fifth round of coalition strikes against the Houthis since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7.

The previous series of strikes were launched on February 24, when the US and UK targeted Houthi weapons and radar sites.

On Thursday, Houthi-run media claimed a total of 13 strikes had been launched against Yemen, including six on the capital Sanaa.

The British defence ministry said in a statement: "As ever, the utmost care was taken in planning the strikes to minimise any risk to civilians or non-military infrastructure.

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"Conducting the strikes in the hours of darkness should also have mitigated yet further any such risks."

Since November, the Houthis have attacked international shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestine.

The US military destroyed Houthi missile launchers in Yemen and intercepted aerial attack drones earlier this week.

It comes after a Greek-owned and operated merchant ship was hit with three Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles in the Red Sea on Tuesday.

Houthi fighters stomping on US and Israeli flags

There were no injuries, the US Central Command said.

The USS Carney - a guided missile destroyer - had 51 engagements over the last six months.

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said last week was "the most direct Navy engagement with a foe since World War II."