The US has launched airstrikes targeting underground bunkers used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

In a rare move, long-range B-2 stealth bombers were used against the Houthis, who have been attacking ships in the Red Sea corridor for months.

It wasn’t immediately clear what damage the strikes caused but local media reported sites had been hit around Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014.

Strikes around the Houthi stronghold of Saada were also reported.

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said the B-2 bombers targeted “five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen”.

“This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened, or fortified.”

United States Central Command said damage assessments are underway and do not indicate civilian casualties.

The Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones in the Red Sea since the war in Gaza started last October.

Read more from Sky News:
Liam Payne found dead – reports
Five killed in motorway crash
Wine gang sell plonk for £12,500 a bottle

Four sailors have been killed in the campaign and two vessels have been sunk.

The Houthis maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the US or the United Kingdom in a bid to end Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza.

However, many of the ships attacked have little connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

The Houthis also continue to launch missiles targeting Israel and have shot down a number of US military drones as well.

The rebels threatened new attacks after Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon and its killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Fifteen UK aid charities are launching a humanitarian appeal to address the “overwhelming” need in Gaza, Lebanon and the wider Middle East.

The charities make up the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which is raising urgent funds for the millions in the region requiring food, water, shelter and medical care after fleeing their homes in search of safety.

The government has said it will match the first £10m of donations from the public.

Appeals to support the DEC’s work will be broadcast on Sky, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 on Thursday evening, while BBC radio appeals will be broadcast throughout the day.

The DEC is “monitoring the evolving situation” in Israel and several charities in the organisation are “ready to expand their response to include Israel if significant unmet humanitarian needs are identified”.

Middle East latest updates

DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed said: “Millions of people, including many thousands of children, are dealing with almost unimaginable trauma.

“Many have been displaced multiple times and have no homes to return to. Now food and medical care is scarce and families face devastating choices to survive.

“DEC member charities are responding right now in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, providing lifesaving food, water, shelter and medicine – this humanitarian support is a vital lifeline for millions of people in overwhelming need of assistance.

“But our member charities urgently need more funds to meet the huge levels of need. We are asking people to please donate now to save lives.”

Read more:
‘Life was beautiful’: How Gaza has changed in last year
Timeline of events in year of war in Middle East

Meanwhile, development minister Anneliese Dodds said the suffering of civilians affected by the conflict is “intolerable”.

She said: “Humanitarian support is urgently needed for the most vulnerable people. Charities play a crucial role in providing help to those most affected, and need your support.

“That is why we are matching public donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Middle East Humanitarian Appeal to provide urgent humanitarian assistance up to £10m.

“This will be used to provide life-saving aid including medical supplies, shelter and clean water to those who need it most.”

If you want to support people in the region, there are further details of how you can do so at dec.org.uk

Former One Direction star Liam Payne has died at the age of 31.

The singer was in Argentina when he was found dead by police.

How did Payne die?

Local police said Payne had fallen from the third floor of a hotel in the capital Buenos Aires on Wednesday evening.

He is said to have suffered “extremely serious injuries”.

Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, said on Argentinian television that Payne fell into a courtyard of the CasaSur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighbourhood.

He declined to answer further questions about the incident, including whether Payne jumped from the balcony or fell by accident.

Pablo Policicchio, a spokesperson for the security ministry of Buenos Aires municipality, said police were called to the hotel in response to an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.

Tributes as Payne found dead at hotel – follow latest

Payne’s social media post hours before death

Payne had posted on Snapchat in the last few hours, and in one video he said it was a “lovely day here in Argentina”.

“Just enjoying coffee and breakfast, even though it’s like 1pm,” he said. “Literally sleep in every day until like 12. We’re such losers.”

The star spoke about “going to ride some horses” and said: “Think I’m going to play polo again which is going to put me out of action for about six weeks.”

“It’s going to be a nice day,” he added.

It was not clear when the videos were filmed, but were posted hours before his death.

Why was Payne in Argentina?

Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend the concert of his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan.

He was seen dancing at his show two weeks ago at the Movistar Arena alongside his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.