US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, on Saturday warned the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia of the dangers of their illegal attacks that harm the economies of the Middle East.

This came as a comment on the United States and Britain launching joint strikes that targeted 18 Houthi targets in Yemen.

Austin said in a statement that the Houthis will bear the consequences of their illegal terrorist attacks that cause environmental damage and disrupt the arrival of aid to Yemen and other countries.

He stressed that his country would not hesitate to take measures, as needed, to defend lives and the free flow of trade in one of the most important waterways in the world.