The US gave the Houthis a final warning. The Iran-backed rebels answered with their biggest-ever missile and drone attack.

• The US appeared to give the Houthi final warning to stop their attacks on international shipping.
• Days later, the Iran-backed rebels launched their biggest missile and drone attack yet. 
• The assault was followed by more warnings from the West — then another Houthi attack on Thursday.

The US and its allies ushered in the new year by delivering a stern ultimatum to the Houthis: stop attacking international shipping lanes off the coast of Yemen or face serious consequences.

But just a few days later, the Iran-backed rebels answered with their largest-ever missile and drone onslaught, forcing the US and UK militaries to engage the threats and prompting a new wave of warnings from the two countries.