US and UK launch fresh strikes on Houthis

The US and UK have begun joint air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, two US defence officials told the BBC's US partner, CBS News.

US fighter jets from the carrier Eisenhower are involved in the strikes, the officials said.

US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke earlier on Monday.

Previously, the US and UK have said they are not seeking a conflict with the Houthis, but are trying to protect the Red Sea international trade route.

The Iran-backed Houthis have been targeting ships they say are linked to Israel that travel through the Red Sea.

In an official readout of their phone call, the White House said Mr Biden and Mr Sunak "discussed ongoing Iranian-backed Houthi attacks against merchant and naval vessels transiting the Red Sea".

They reiterated "their commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and defending mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks", the White House said.

"The president and prime minister discussed the importance of increasing humanitarian aid and civilian protections for people in Gaza, and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas."