US fighter jets blasted Houthi drones out of the sky with laser-guided missiles.

Dramatic footage shows the military aircraft destroying the unmanned vehicles on Wednesday, March 19.

The US Central Command said: 'U.S. Fighter aircraft shoot down Iran-backed Houthi one-way-attack drones with AGR-20 FALCO Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Laser Guided 2.75'' Rockets.'

President Donald Trump cited the group's attacks on shipping in the Red Sea as the reason for the military action.

Trump said: 'Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at U.S. aircraft and targeted our troops and allies.

'These relentless assaults have cost the U.S. and world economy many billions of dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk.'

The U.S. initiated what it described as a 'decisive and powerful' wave of airstrikes on Houthi targets on Saturday. The Houthi leadership reported that the number of casualties had risen to 53, including five children.

CENTCOM stated that it initiated a series of operations, including precision strikes against Houthi targets across Yemen, to defend American interests, deter adversaries, and ensure freedom of navigation.