John Kirby, the coordinator of strategic communications at the US National Security Council, stated that the United States does not seek conflict with the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
He emphasized that it would be best for them to cease their attacks.
The Houthis, operating from the coast of Yemen along the Red Sea, have launched attacks on several ships, alleging their connection to Israel.
The group has repeatedly stated that it will not allow any ship affiliated with or heading to Israel to pass through the Red Sea.
American media reported today that 10 Yemeni Houthi rebels were killed, and two others were injured in a US airstrike on Houthi boats that had attacked a container ship in the southern Red Sea.
This information was relayed by maritime sources in the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.
A maritime source in the Houthi-controlled port, who declined to provide their name, told AFP, “Ten Houthi rebels were killed, and two injured were rescued from the U.S. strike on the Houthi boats that were attempting to intercept a ship off Hodeidah.”
Another maritime source confirmed the death toll and mentioned that “four survivors reached Hodeidah, along with two injured who were transferred to Al-Sammad Hospital.”
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) had earlier announced the sinking of three boats belonging to Houthi rebels backed by Iran after they had attacked a commercial vessel and U.S. helicopters in the southern Red Sea.