Sana'a: Yemen's Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi declared Sunday that his forces will escalate attacks in response to US military operations, warning that drones and missiles will continue to target American warships, aircraft carriers, and naval vessels.

According to Anadolu Agency, al-Houthi emphasized in a video statement that his forces had already launched missile and drone strikes following US airstrikes on Yemen. He stated, "We will respond to escalation with escalation," reflecting the group's stance on the ongoing conflict.

Al-Houthi accused Washington of transforming the sea into a battlefield, asserting that the US is influencing maritime navigation by turning the sea into a war zone. As a result, he announced that the US, like Israel, will be included in the Houthi-imposed naval blockade as long as its military actions persist.

He clarified, "Our decision was clear-it initially targeted only the Israeli enemy. Now, the US will also be included in the blockade." Al-Houthi called on all countries to recognize the source of danger to navigation and maritime security, emphasizing that it stems from the US.

Further, he described both the US and Israel as sources of instability and threats on a global and regional scale, attributing evil and aggression to them. The Houthis had previously warned Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip or face renewed maritime operations against Israeli-linked vessels.

The US had launched airstrikes on Yemen's Houthis as President Donald Trump warned of severe consequences if the Iran-backed group continued its attacks on Red Sea shipping. The Houthis have been targeting Israeli-linked ships in strategic waterways since late 2023, claiming it is a demonstration of solidarity with the Gaza Strip.

The group had paused its attacks following a ceasefire in January between Israel and Hamas but threatened to resume them when Israel blocked aid into Gaza on March 2.