Yemen’s Houthi group said it would keep up attacks on US and British warships in the Red Sea in what it called acts of self defence, stoking fears of long-term disruptions to world trade, Reuters reports.

In a statement, the group’s military spokesperson said all American and British warships participating in “aggression” against its country were targets.

The US and Britain have launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, and returned the militia to a list of terrorist groups as turmoil from the Gaza conflict spreads through the region.

The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, have been attacking ships in and around the Red Sea, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians.