Suspected Houthi Attack Hits Vessel Red Sea Off Yemen

A suspected attack by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted a vessel in the Red Sea near the port of Hodeidah, though the ship and its crew were reported safe. The incident involved an unknown projectile landing in the water close to the vessel amidst intense electronic interference, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency. This attack follows an Israeli strike that killed the Houthi prime minister and several officials, escalating tensions in the region. The Houthis have been increasing missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, using cluster munitions that are harder to intercept, and have attacked over 100 ships since November 2023, sinking four vessels and killing at least eight mariners. The attacks have disrupted vital shipping corridors including the Red Sea and Suez Canal, with the Houthis justifying assaults on vessels associated with Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump previously ordered a weekslong airstrike campaign against the Houthis before declaring a ceasefire with the group.