United States National Security Council (NSC) Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby insisted on Thursday that his country is neither in a conflict with the Houthis nor seeking it but only demands to be "able to defend ourselves."
Speaking at a press conference, Kirby expressed Washington's concerns about the Houthi movement's activity in the Middle East, including attacks on foreign ships and other deeds that could lead to a "potential widening and deepening of the conflict" between Israel and Hamas.
Earlier in the day, the US introduced sanctions against 13 individuals and entities linked with funding the Houthis.
