The US military on Tuesday carried out a new strike in Yemen targeting anti-ship ballistic missiles Of Iran-backed Houthi forces, two US officials told Reuters.

The strike was the latest Western military action against the militant group over its targeting of Red Sea shipping.

US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the strike on Tuesday targeted four anti-ship missiles. The strike has not been previously reported.

Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping have continued even after President Joe Biden last week ordered an initial wave of strikes to degrade Houthi capabilities.

The Houthis, who control most of Yemen's Red Sea coast, have claimed their attacks on commercial ships are aimed at supporting the Palestinians in Israel's war in Gaza. The attacks began in mid-November after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called for a blockade of Israel.

On Tuesday, Khamenei praised the Houthis, saying that they proved they were not afraid of the United States.

The Houthi movement has pledged to expand its targets in the Red Sea region to include US ships and has vowed to keep up attacks after US and British forces carried out dozens of strikes last week against radar and missile capabilities.

On Monday, Houthi forces struck the US-owned and operated dry bulk ship Gibraltar Eagle with an anti-ship ballistic missile, the US military said.