The United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are both vowing escalation after the U.S. launched airstrikes to deter the rebels from attacking military and commercial vessels on one of

The airstrikes come a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing in waters off Yemen in response to Israel’s blockade on Gaza.

U.S. president Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on Yemen's capital in response to Iranian-backed Houthi rebels targeting ship routes.