WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US forces have struck more than 1,000 targets in Yemen since Washington launched the latest round of its air campaign against the Houthi rebels in mid-March, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

The Houthis began targeting shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in late 2023 and the US responded with strikes against them starting early the following year.

Since 15 March, “USCENTCOM strikes have hit over 1,000 targets, killing Houthi fighters and leaders... and degrading their capabilities,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement, referring to the military command responsible for the Middle East.

Britain said on Wednesday it had joined the US in carrying out strikes against Houthi targets.

“UK forces participated in a joint operation with US forces against a Houthi military target in Yemen,” the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

It said the Royal Air Force had struck buildings around 25 kilometers south of the capital Sanaa at night, which were being used by Houthi rebels to manufacture drones.

Britain has taken part in joint air strikes against Houthis led by the US since early 2024.

CENTCOM on Sunday had put the figure at more than 800 targets hit since mid-March, saying hundreds of Houthi fighters had been killed as a result.