US strikes in Yemen after Huthis re-designated 'terrorist' entity

American forces targeted 14 missiles that were ready to launch in Yemen, the U.S. military said Wednesday, after Washington re-designated the Iran-backed Huthi rebels as a "terrorist" entity for their attacks on merchant vessels.

The Huthis — who have already faced multiple rounds of air strikes in response to their targeting of international shipping — struck a U.S.-owned bulk cargo carrier in the wake of the designation announcement, and vowed to continue attacks they say are in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

U.S. forces "conducted strikes on 14 Iran-backed Huthi missiles that were loaded to be fired in Huthi-controlled areas in Yemen," Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.

"These missiles on launch rails presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time, prompting U.S. forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves," CENTCOM said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the United States announced that it would return the Huthis to a list of "terrorist" entities.

"The Department of State today is announcing the designation of Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Huthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group, effective 30 days from today," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

"During the 30-day implementation delay, the U.S. government will conduct robust outreach to stakeholders, aid providers, and partners who are crucial to facilitating humanitarian assistance and the commercial import of critical commodities in Yemen," he said.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the designation "is an important tool to impede terrorist funding to the Huthis, further restrict their access...