Yemen Rebels Threaten 'Escalation' As US, UK Strikes Said To Kill 16

People carry the coffins of Houthi rebels who were killed in recent US-led strikes, ahead of a funeral ceremony in Sanaa's Al-Saleh mosque, on February 10, 2024. The United States military confirmed on February 8 its forces conducted multiple strikes against Houthi missile systems as the Yemen-based rebel group prepared to launch attacks that threatened US Navy and merchant ships. (Credit: AFP)

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis on Friday threatened to escalate attacks on Red Sea shipping after overnight strikes by the United States and Britain killed 16 people, according to rebel media.

The toll reported by the Houthis' Al-Masirah TV, which AFP could not independently verify, would constitute one of the deadliest strikes since the United States and Britain launched their campaign to counter disruption of the vital trade route in January.