US preparing for new measures against Houthi rebels

The fighting in Gaza has sparked concerns over wider violence in the Middle East, particularly as Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to attack ships in the Red Sea, which is a vital lane for goods and travelers, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told ABC "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz, Report informs.

While the militant group has said its strikes are about Israel, Blinken noted that numerous other countries' ships are vulnerable. He told Raddatz that sanctions have been applied to weaken the Houthis' funding, and he would not rule out future military action.

Besides, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday that the US is consulting with allies on "appropriate action" in response to the latest Houthi drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea.