The US has reportedly launched new airstrikes targeting the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah after the leader of the Houthi movement, Sayyed Abdul Malik al-Houthi, delivered a fiery speech condemning the attacks and threatening direct military action against American naval forces.

US President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to carry out a “decisive and powerful military action” on Saturday, aiming to dismantle the Houthi ability to disrupt vital shipping lanes in the region. The first round of US strikes overnight killed at least 53 people and left nearly 100 injured, according to Yemen’s Houthi-run health ministry.

In his speech on Sunday, al-Houthi urged the Yemeni people to mobilize in their millions to confront the American “escalation with escalation,” insisting that Yemen would not be pressured into submission.

“The American aircraft carrier and warships will be our target, and the decision to ban navigation will include the US as long as it continues its aggression,” he declared.

RT