WASHINGTON, D.C.: American forces targeted 14 missiles that were ready to launch in Yemen, the United States military said on Wednesday, after Washington redesignated the Iran-backed Houthi rebels as a 'terrorist' entity for their attacks on merchant vessels.

The Houthis — who have already faced multiple rounds of airstrikes in response to their targeting of commercial ships — struck a US-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.