Houthi Drone Strikes Escalate Tensions in Red Sea Amid Regional Conflict

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched an explosive-laden drone and missile attacks on two ships in the Red Sea, marking their first assaults on commercial shipping in weeks. This comes as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to escalate into a regional conflict. The attacks targeted ships heading to the Suez Canal, causing damage and heightening security concerns.

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched explosive-laden drone and missile attacks on two ships in the Red Sea, marking their first commercial assault in weeks. The move comes amid escalating regional tensions due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

The initial attack took place 110 kilometers off the port city of Hodeida, targeting the Panama-flagged oil tanker Cordelia Moon. The drone strike punctured one of the ship's ballast tanks, while missiles missed the vessel. Another ship heading north to the Suez Canal was also targeted by missiles.

The Houthi military spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility for the attacks, threatening further military operations targeting Israel. The Red Sea has emerged as a fraught battlefield for shipping, with the Houthis targeting over 80 vessels since the Gaza war began last October.

(With inputs from agencies.)