U.S. President Joe Biden announced that the United States and the United Kingdom carried out a series of strikes described as "retaliatory" early Friday against the Houthis in Yemen.

Biden said: "Today, under my direction, U.S. military forces, in cooperation with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, successfully conducted strikes against several targets in Yemen against the Houthis to threaten the freedom of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways."

Biden confirmed that the strikes came "as a direct response to the unprecedented Houthi attacks" in the Red Sea, adding that the attacks threaten American individuals, civilians, and trade in the region.

He also added, "Today's defensive action comes following this extensive diplomatic campaign and the escalating attacks launched by the Houthi rebels against commercial vessels."

He said, "These targeted strikes send a clear message that the United States and its partners will not tolerate attacks on our people or allow hostile entities to threaten freedom of navigation in one of the world's most important trade routes."

Biden also added, "I will not hesitate to direct further actions to protect our people and the free flow of international trade."