The United Nations chief said Houthis should immediately stop all attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, Paralel.Az reports citing CNN.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called such attacks unacceptable and said they endanger global supply chains and "have a negative impact on the economic and humanitarian situation worldwide," according to a statement.

He said that countries defending their ships from Houthi attacks must do so in accordance with international law and not escalate the situation.

It comes after United States and United Kingdom militaries, supported by several other countries, launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on Thursday.

The Biden administration and its allies had warned that the Iran-backed militant group would bear the consequences of its attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. US and UK officials have defended the strikes, citing self-defense.