In a series of recent attacks, seventeen Houthi fighters have been reportedly killed by United States and British forces, as confirmed by the Yemeni rebel group through its official media. The news comes shortly after public funerals were held in the capital city of Sanaa to honor the deceased fighters.

According to a Houthi official media statement on Saturday, the bodies of the martyrs of the nation and armed and security forces were carried through Sanaa in a solemn funeral procession, with their names publicly listed. The US and UK have been targeting Houthi positions in Yemen since mid-January, in an effort to halt the rebel group's attacks on ships in the Red Sea region.

The Houthi rebels, who have the backing of Iran and control a significant portion of war-torn Yemen, including the vital port of Hodeidah, have been targeting ships they claim are linked to Israel as a response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In response, the US military has conducted multiple raids to destroy missile launchers, which the Houthi fighters intended to use against commercial shipping and US warships in the Red Sea.

Large groups of Houthi supporters gathered at Sanaa's Al-Shaab mosque, formerly known as Al-Saleh mosque, to attend the funerals of the fighters who lost their lives in these recent attacks. Despite the loss, mourners like Abu Moataz Ghalib expressed resolute support for the Houthi's stance on the Gaza war.

The Houthi's news agency reported on Wednesday that the US and UK forces had targeted locations in Hodeidah province. Earlier in the week, the rebels had also claimed responsibility for two separate attacks against US and British ships in the Red Sea, causing minor damages but no casualties. These attacks have led to increased insurance premiums for shipping companies and prompted many to avoid this crucial maritime route, which accounts for approximately 12 percent of global trade.

Adding to the mounting tensions, the US Ambassador to Yemen, Steve Fagin, took to social media to announce that the Houthis would be designated as a terrorist group if they do not cease their attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The US had previously given the rebels a 30-day deadline in January to halt their activities. Failure to comply would lead to the classification of Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

As the situation in Yemen continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how these recent developments will impact the ongoing conflict and efforts to secure stability in the region.