Houthis Target Red Sea Vessels Amidst Escalating Tensions

Suspected Houthi rebel attacks targeted two ships in the Red Sea, disrupting trade routes and risking ecological disasters. Efforts are underway to salvage the still-burning tanker Sounion. The assaults are part of a broader campaign linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, impacting aid shipments and regional stability.

Suspected attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted two ships in the Red Sea on Monday, heightening concerns over navigational safety in a region already rocked by conflict.

Authorities indicated that the assaults occurred near where crews are attempting to salvage a burning tanker loaded with 1 million barrels of oil—a move that aims to avert a potential ecological catastrophe.

The attacks are the latest in a series believed to be orchestrated by the Iranian-backed Houthis, disrupting the USD 1 trillion worth of goods passing through the Red Sea annually and stalling critical aid shipments to war-torn Sudan and Yemen.

(With inputs from agencies.)