A Houthi missile. (Source: Xinhua)

This is the latest round of military action against an Iran-aligned group that has continued to attack shipping in the area.

A joint statement from participating or supporting countries said the strikes targeted 18 Houthi facilities across eight locations in Yemen, including underground weapons and missile storage facilities as well as air defense systems, radars and a helicopter.

On the same day, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had destroyed seven anti-ship cruise missiles that the Houthi rebel group in Yemen planned to launch at targets in the Red Sea.

“CENTCOM forces have identified these missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and pose a threat to U.S. Navy and merchant vessels in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels,” CENTCOM stressed.

The attack by Houthi forces in Yemen on the British cargo ship Rubymar on February 18, according to CENTCOM, caused significant damage to the ship and created a 29-km oil slick.

Earlier, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea admitted that the force had attacked the Rubymar ship in the Gulf of Aden and that the ship was now at risk of sinking. When it was attacked, the Rubymar ship was transporting more than 41,000 tons of fertilizer.