The United States has launched new attacks against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen, destroying four anti-ship ballistic missiles. 

According to a US Central Command statement, the missiles were being prepared by the Iran-backed group to be launched and presented an imminent threat to merchant and US Navy ships in the region.

The overnight strike came as the Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack against the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Zografia in the Red Sea.

The ship was hit, but no-one was injured.

The vessel had been heading north to the Suez Canal when it was attacked, the Greek Shipping and Island Policy Ministry said.

Houthi military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, said in a pre-recorded statement that the Zografia was targeted after its crew refused to answer warning calls and that the vessel was heading for a port in Israel.

The attack on the Zografia occurred late on Tuesday and involved an anti-ship ballistic missile, the Central Command statement said, adding that the ship continued its Red Sea transit.

The US also said its forces seized Iranian-made missile parts en route to the Houthis from a boat in the Arabian Sea in an operation last week.

"This is the first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons (ACW) to the Houthis since the beginning of Houthis attacks against merchant ships in November 2023," Central Command said.

Two Navy SEALs went missing in the Arabian Sea during a ship-boarding operation that intercepted the Iranian weapons.

One SEAL got knocked off by high waves and a teammate went in after him. Both are still missing at sea.

"We are conducting an exhaustive search for our missing teammates," General Michael Erik Kurilla said. 

White House warns maritime attacks 'on a path of escalation'

Houthis claim a large area of territory in the west of Yemen.