Strikes, according to the US Defense Secretary, send a "clear message to the Houthis" to stop attacking shipping channels

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated on Saturday that the extra strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen send a strong message to the militia supported by Iran.

"These strikes are intended to further disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia to conduct their reckless and destabilizing attacks against U.S. and international vessels lawfully transiting the Red Sea. Coalition forces targeted 13 locations associated with the Houthis' deeply buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, and radars.

"This collective action sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will continue to bear further consequences if they do not end their illegal attacks on international shipping and naval vessels."