President Biden will make statement TONIGHT after US and UK military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen: White House has warned of 'consequences' for continued attacks on Red Sea shipping

President Biden is expected to make a statement tonight after the US and UK conduct military strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The strikes are expected shortly with a series of statements from the US, UK and other international leaders to follow, the Times reports.

Both the UK and the US warned there could be consequences if ships are continually targeted in the Red Sea. 

The Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea in November. Joint US and British forces shot down 18 drones and three missiles launched by the Houthis late Tuesday, in what was described as their biggest attack so far in solidarity with Palestinians in Hamas-ruled Gaza 

Armed demonstrators take part in a solidarity rally with Gaza in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa. Antony Blinken warned of 'consequences' if the rebels do not stop attacking ships in the Red Sea, and called on Iran to end their support for the rebels

Joint US and British forces shot down 18 drones and three missiles launched by the Houthis late Tuesday, in what was described as their biggest attack so far in solidarity with Palestinians in Hamas-ruled Gaza. 

Antony Blinken warned of 'consequences' if the Houthi do not stop attacking ships in the Red Sea, and called on Iran to end their support for the rebels. 

It comes at a fraught time for the US - as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is reeling from his prostate cancer operation. He has been in hospital for over a week. 

On Thursday British stealth jets and combat drones were being readied for the airstrike with warships moved into the Red Sea in recent days.

The day before the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on demanding an immediate end to the Houthi attacks.