THE US has hit and destroyed six Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles in Yemen.

The targets posed an “imminent threat” to vessels in the Red Sea, according to the US Central Command.

The US forces conducted the “self defence” strikes at around 7.20pm local time. 

CENTCOM said: “This action will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy and merchant vessels.”

This follows further strikes from the US against targets in Syria and Iraq on Friday night.

Officials said American missile strikes hit more than 85 targets, including “command and control headquarters” and ammo dumps.

Iraq said 16 people, including civilians, were killed and 25 wounded in the strikes.

The US hit back after three of its troops were killed by a drone strike in Jordan last week.