Yemen’s Houthi movement launched its first attack on Israel since the outbreak of the conflict on Saturday, as the United States deployed additional military forces to the Middle East.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a video statement that their forces carried out a “military operation using cruise missiles and drones” targeting vital and military sites in southern Israel.

Meanwhile, Washington has sent thousands of US Marines to the region as part of efforts to reinforce its military presence amid rising tensions.

The US military said the first two units arrived on Friday aboard an amphibious assault ship.

The developments signal a widening regional conflict, with new actors entering the confrontation.