U.S. forces launch massive airstrikes on Houthi rebel military facilities in Yemen

The U.S. military said it attacked the Houthi rebels' missile facilities and command and control headquarters in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on Monday local time.

The U.S. Central Command said the aim of the strike was to weaken the Houthi rebels' ability to attack U.S. warships and merchant ships near the Red Sea.

The U.S. military also says it has struck Houthi rebels' drones and anti-ship missiles.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been attacking merchant ships passing through the Red Sea over the past year or so, saying they stand in solidarity with Gaza, which is at war with Israel.