(CNN) — The US on Saturday carried out strikes in opposition to Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles and vessels, together with on the primary unmanned underwater vessel the Iranian-backed rebel group has used because the assaults within the Red Sea started, in keeping with US Central Command.

The US carried out 5 strikes in opposition to three anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vessel and one unmanned floor vessel between 3 and eight p.m. Saturday native time, CENTCOM mentioned.

“CENTCOM identified the anti-ship cruise missiles, unmanned underwater vessel, and the unmanned surface vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region,” Central Command mentioned in a press release Sunday.

The unmanned underwater vessel assault marks a brand new technique for the Houthis and comes despite continued US airstrikes in opposition to the insurgent group. Earlier this month, the US and UK struck at least 30 Houthi targets throughout at the very least 10 areas in Yemen with the goal to “de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea.”

The Houthis have been attacking US targets and industrial delivery within the Red Sea since Israel launched its invasion of Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 assault. There are fears that the assaults might escalate Israel’s battle in opposition to Hamas right into a wider regional battle.

The Houthi assaults have compelled a few of the world’s largest delivery and oil corporations to droop transit by means of one of many most important maritime trade routes, which might probably trigger a shock to the worldwide financial system.

CNN last week was on board two vessels spearheading the US response to Houthi assaults within the southern Red Sea because the Navy works at a frenetic tempo deploying jets and firing missiles at a second’s discover to attempt to destroy the Houthis’ weapons and infrastructure.

This story has been up to date with further info.

CNN’s Jack Forrest, Natasha Bertrand, Oren Liebermann, Haley Britzky and Christian Edwards.