Saudi Arabia's Red Sea oil shipments are increasingly disappearing from tracking systems as tanker operators reportedly switch off their Automatic Identification Systems amid growing fears of Houthi attacks.

The development comes as the Houthis intensify threats against Saudi-linked shipping and oil infrastructure, putting a key route for global energy supplies under mounting pressure.

Recent Houthi attacks have targeted commercial shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while the group has also claimed attacks involving Saudi oil infrastructure, including the Yanbu oil hub and Aramco facilities in Jazan.

The disruption is making it harder for traders and energy agencies to determine how much Saudi crude is actually being shipped. Estimates of recent Yanbu loadings have reportedly varied significantly between shipping-data providers.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia appears to be moving more crude north through the Red Sea, while risks around the Suez Canal, Bab al-Mandab and Strait of Hormuz continue to complicate global energy flows.

Saudi Oil Tankers Go Dark Amid Houthi Attacks | Houthi Attacks Shake Red Sea Energy Route

The Strait of Hormuz crisis is emerging as one of the biggest challenges for global energy security, with Iran claiming it now holds the upper hand over the vital waterway.

Iranian officials say Washington may have to accept Tehran’s terms for managing maritime traffic through the strait. The development comes after months of disruption and growing tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel.

The Strait of Hormuz has historically carried roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day, representing around a fifth of global oil consumption. Any prolonged disruption could therefore have major consequences for energy markets, shipping and the global economy.

At the same time, Gulf countries are exploring alternative routes. Saudi Arabia is considering expanding its east-west pipeline toward Yanbu on the Red Sea, while Kuwait is discussing expanded pipeline connections through Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The UAE already operates the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, allowing crude to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Iraq is also examining alternative routes toward the Red Sea and Mediterranean, while Iran itself has developed infrastructure intended to reduce its dependence on Hormuz.

But experts warn that existing alternatives can absorb only a portion of the oil normally transported through the strait, while constructing major new pipelines could take years.

Iran Tightens Grip on Hormuz | Trump Faces Tough Choices as Gulf States Seek Alternative Oil Routes

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a major trilateral defence pact, creating a new security arrangement amid escalating tensions across West Asia.

The agreement is being viewed as part of Saudi Arabia's effort to diversify its security partnerships while maintaining its longstanding relationship with the United States. The pact builds on the existing defence relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, with Turkey now joining the arrangement.

Iranian officials and clerics have criticised the agreement, warning that closer military cooperation between the three countries will not guarantee security.

The pact comes as tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict involving Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen and broader regional instability.

Turkey-Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact | New Alliance Amid Iran Tensions | What It Means for West Asia

At least 30 Yemeni government troops are reported to have been killed and 15 others injured in Houthi rebel attacks on military camps in central Yemen’s Marib and Hadramawt provinces on Thursday.Yemen government sources said missiles and drones struck several camps run by the Emergency Forces in the al-Ruwaik area of Marib and al-Abr area of Hadramawt provinces.Health Minister Qasim Bahibah condemned the “treacherous” attack, saying it was intended to destabilise security and stability.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yemeni military sources said that the Houthis fired eight missiles from al-Jawf governorate, north of Marib, targeting al-Thiniya and al-Abr in Hadramout and al-Rouk in Marib.The sources added that the casualty numbers were expected to rise.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/squadron-leader-bhawana-kanth-scripts-history-as-indian-air-force-gets-its-first-woman-top-gun-pilot-1786033737342">Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot</a>&nbsp;A military spokesman for the Iran-backed Houthis, who control much of north-west Yemen, said they had targeted “large Saudi military build-ups” at the camps. A Saudi-led coalition supported the government in Yemen’s civil war.&nbsp;Thursday’s attacks on military camps, including some run by Yemen’s Emergency Forces, are the deadliest in the country’s war in years, and continue an uptick in violence in recent weeks.&nbsp;Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the attacks carried out using missiles and drones had led to “hundreds” of casualties.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-chairman-tells-rijiju-to-convey-sentiments-of-opposition-demanding-amit-shah-s-presence-1786020492879">Rajya Sabha chairman tells Rijiju to ‘convey sentiments’ of opposition demanding Amit Shah’s presence</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the US embassy in Yemen has described Houthi attacks in Hadramout and Marib as “cowardly”.In a post on X, the US mission paid condolences to the families of “brave Yemeni soldiers killed today”.&nbsp;The attacks “represent yet another example of terrorrism against Yemeni people,” it said.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">بشأن هجمات اليوم في حضرموت ومأرب. <a href="https://t.co/IirMLRRTNq">pic.twitter.com/IirMLRRTNq</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy Yemen السفارة الأمريكية لدى اليمن (@USEmbassyYemen) <a href="https://x.com/USEmbassyYemen/status/2085368897994166305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Houthis warn fighters to leave Emergency Forces camps</h2>&nbsp;A Houthi military spokesman has warned fighters in camps controlled by the Emergency Forces of Yemen’s internationally recognised government to flee.“We advise those misled and deceived among our people to leave the Saudi enemy camps and return to their homes before it is too late,” Yahya Saree said in a statement on X. “We assure our dear Yemeni people in all governorates that the armed forces are fully prepared to confront any escalation.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-students-on-hunger-strike-demand-cm-hemant-soren-s-resignation-plan-state-assembly-gherao-1786025129251">Jharkhand students on hunger strike demand CM Hemant Soren’s resignation, plan state assembly gherao</a>&nbsp;Saree said the group carried out attacks “using a large number of ballistic missiles and drones” and claimed the attacks resulted in the destruction of a large number of camps, troop concentrations, depots, and weapons in eastern Yemen. Local media reports said that dozens of people have been killed.&nbsp;Fighting in Yemen between the pro-Iranian Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces has intensified in recent weeks, after four years of relative calm.The Houthis have also announced a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, and have attacked ships linked to Yemen’s northern neighbour.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yemeni military sources said that the Houthis fired eight missiles from al-Jawf governorate, north of Marib, targeting al-Thiniya and al-Abr in Hadramout and al-Rouk in Marib. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the attacks led to hundreds of casualties.

At least 30 Yemeni government troops are reported to have been killed and 15 others injured in Houthi rebel attacks on military camps in central Yemen’s Marib and Hadramawt provinces on Thursday. Yemen government sources said missiles and drones struck several camps run by the Emergency Forces in the al-Ruwaik area of Marib and al-Abr area of Hadramawt provinces. Health Minister Qasim Bahibah condemned the “treacherous” attack, saying it was intended to destabilise security and stability. Yemeni military sources said that the Houthis fired eight missiles from al-Jawf governorate, north of Marib, targeting al-Thiniya and al-Abr in Hadramout and al-Rouk in Marib. The sources added that the casualty numbers were expected to rise. Also Read: Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot A military spokesman for the Iran-backed Houthis, who control much of north-west Yemen, said they had targeted “large Saudi military build-ups” at the camps. A Saudi-led coalition supported the government in Yemen’s civil war. Thursday’s attacks on military camps, including some run by Yemen’s Emergency Forces, are the deadliest in the country’s war in years, and continue an uptick in violence in recent weeks. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the attacks carried out using missiles and drones had led to “hundreds” of casualties. Also Read: Rajya Sabha chairman tells Rijiju to ‘convey sentiments’ of opposition demanding Amit Shah’s presence Meanwhile, the US embassy in Yemen has described Houthi attacks in Hadramout and Marib as “cowardly”. In a post on X, the US mission paid condolences to the families of “brave Yemeni soldiers killed today”. The attacks “represent yet another example of terrorrism against Yemeni people,” it said.

Yemeni military sources said that the Houthis fired eight missiles from al-Jawf governorate, north of Marib, targeting al-Thiniya and al-Abr in Hadramout and al-Rouk in Marib. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the attacks led to hundreds of casualties.

At least 30 Yemeni troops killed in Houthi missile and drone attacks; toll may go up

The war in West Asia is entering a dangerous new phase as the conflict spreads beyond Iran and Israel, drawing more countries into the escalating crisis. Egypt has reported a drone attack near its strategic Mediterranean port of Damietta, while the United States and Saudi Arabia have jointly launched airstrikes against Iran-backed armed groups in eastern Iraq. The latest developments come after Washington resumed military strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with fresh attacks across the region.

According to reports, Jordan intercepted missiles fired from Iran, while Kuwait reported that an Iranian strike hit a building belonging to a Chinese company, resulting in casualties. Meanwhile, Egypt's Damietta Port, a key energy and shipping hub, was targeted in a drone attack that damaged gas-related infrastructure, raising fresh concerns over the security of global energy supply routes.

West Asia War Expands as Egypt Hit, US-Saudi Strikes Iraq and Iran Launches Fresh Attacks

President Donald Trump has declared that Iran is "not ready" to make a deal, while warning that the United States would destroy Iranian infrastructure if attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz continue.
Iran's military responded with a sharp warning, saying any U.S. strike on critical infrastructure would trigger attacks on regional oil, gas, electricity, and economic facilities, while vowing to halt oil exports entirely.

Trump Warns Iran: No Deal, More Strikes If Hormuz Attacks Continue | Oil Crisis Escalates

Houthis, the Iran-backed rebel group based in Yemen, on Saturday, launched a missile strike on Israel a day after it warned of intervention if attacks on Iran continued. Israel said it intercepted the missile. The Iranian-backed group confirmed to have attacked Israel for the first time since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, saying it fired a barrage of ballistic missiles “targeting sensitive Israeli military sites” in response to the targeting of Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestinian territories. It added that its operations will continue until the “aggression” on all fronts ends.The Houthis’ confirmation came after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it intercepted a missile from Yemen.The attack marks the entry of Houthis into the conflict just hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States expects to conclude military operations within “weeks, not months”.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters after the meeting of G7 foreign ministers in France on Friday, while referring to Iran, Rubio had said, “When we are done with them here in the next couple weeks, they will be weaker than they’ve been in recent history.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-confirms-strikes-on-uranium-processing-facility-in-iran-s-yazd-heavy-water-plant-in-arak-1774635549825">Israel confirms strikes on uranium processing facility in Iran’s Yazd, heavy water plant in Arak</a><h2>Houthi entry raises risk of conflict expanding?</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Houthi entry increases the risk of broadening the conflict, as they can strike targets far beyond Yemen and disrupt shipping around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea, like they had done in support of Hamas after the 7 October attacks on Israel.&nbsp;Houthis are an armed political and religious group that backs Yemen’s Shia Muslim minority, the Zaidis. The group has controlled much of northwest Yemen since 2014, when they ousted the internationally-recognised government from the capital, Sanaa.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-stop-attacks-on-civilians-says-g7-commits-to-securing-strait-of-hormuz-1774629605321">‘Stop attacks on civilians,’ says G7, commits to securing Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;The attack by Houthis raises the question of whether the rebel group will again target commercial shipping travelling through the Red Sea corridor at a time when a number of tankers have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been closed by Iran.&nbsp;<h2>Houthis attacks hit Red Sea shipping in 2023</h2>&nbsp;The Houthis had started attacking shipping in the Red Sea in November 2023 and launched missiles at Israel, saying they were acting in solidarity with the Palestinians.The Houthis targeted commercial shipping with drone and missile attacks as well as assaults by boat and helicopter, leading to companies redirecting their ships away from the Red Sea and choosing the much longer journey around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-signs-air-defence-deal-with-saudi-arabia-offering-drone-expertise-1774615347801">Ukraine signs air defence deal with Saudi Arabia, offers its drone expertise</a>&nbsp;The Houthis also carried out attacks against British and US warships in January 2024.The UK and US carried out a series of attacks against Houthi targets in Yemen in response and deployed a Royal Navy destroyer to protect shipping from attacks by the Houthi rebels.&nbsp;

The attack by Houthis raises the question of whether the rebel group will again target commercial shipping travelling through the Red Sea corridor at a time when a number of tankers have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been closed by Iran.

Houthis, the Iran-backed rebel group based in Yemen, on Saturday, launched a missile strike on Israel a day after it warned of intervention if attacks on Iran continued. Israel said it intercepted the missile. The Iranian-backed group confirmed to have attacked Israel for the first time since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, saying it fired a barrage of ballistic missiles “targeting sensitive Israeli military sites” in response to the targeting of Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestinian territories. It added that its operations will continue until the “aggression” on all fronts ends. The Houthis’ confirmation came after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it intercepted a missile from Yemen. The attack marks the entry of Houthis into the conflict just hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States expects to conclude military operations within “weeks, not months”. Speaking to reporters after the meeting of G7 foreign ministers in France on Friday, while referring to Iran, Rubio had said, “When we are done with them here in the next couple weeks, they will be weaker than they’ve been in recent history.” Also Read: Israel confirms strikes on uranium processing facility in Iran’s Yazd, heavy water plant in Arak Houthi entry raises risk of conflict expanding? Houthi entry increases the risk of broadening the conflict, as they can strike targets far beyond Yemen and disrupt shipping around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea, like they had done in support of Hamas after the 7 October attacks on Israel. Houthis are an armed political and religious group that backs Yemen’s Shia Muslim minority, the Zaidis. The group has controlled much of northwest Yemen since 2014, when they ousted the internationally-recognised government from the capital, Sanaa. Also Read: ‘Stop attacks on civilians,’ says G7, commits to securing Strait of Hormuz The attack by Houthis raises the question of whether the rebel group will again target commercial shipping travelling through the Red Sea corridor at a time when a number of tankers have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been closed by Iran. Houthis attacks hit Red Sea shipping in 2023 The Houthis had started attacking shipping in the Red Sea in November 2023 and launched missiles at Israel, saying they were acting in solidarity with the Palestinians. The Houthis targeted commercial shipping with drone and missile attacks as well as assaults by boat and helicopter, leading to companies redirecting their ships away from the Red Sea and choosing the much longer journey around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. Also Read: Ukraine signs air defence deal with Saudi Arabia, offers its drone expertise The Houthis also carried out attacks against British and US warships in January 2024. The UK and US carried out a series of attacks against Houthi targets in Yemen in response and deployed a Royal Navy destroyer to protect shipping from attacks by the Houthi rebels.

The attack by Houthis raises the question of whether the rebel group will again target commercial shipping travelling through the Red Sea corridor at a time when a number of tankers have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been closed by Iran.

Houthis launch first attack on Israel since outbreak of Iran war, fire ballistic missiles

Iran has warned it could act in the Bab al-Mandab Strait if provoked, signalling a possible expansion of conflict beyond the Persian Gulf. The warning follows disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and comes amid ongoing tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran.

After Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab next? Iran warns it could seize control of key Red Sea strait if US expands war: Report

There are new signals of calm emerging in one of the world's most volatile shipping routes. After nearly two years of attacks on Vessels in the red sea. Yemen’s Houthi rebels are now saying they’ll halt their maritime strikes. But only as long as the Israel-Hamas ceasefire holds. The announcement has raised cautious optimism. But global shipping giants are far from ready to sail back through the red sea.


Houthis Signal End to Red Sea Attacks Amid Gaza Ceasefire 

The Israeli military said on Sunday (July 21) that it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen towards the Red Sea resort town of Eilat, after Israel bombed a port held by the country's Houthi rebels.

"The projectile did not cross into Israeli territory. Rocket and missile sirens were sounded following the possibility of falling shrapnel," the military said in a statement.

Israel's aerial defence system has repeatedly shot down Houthi weapons off the coast of Eilat in recent months.

<h2>Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen, claims three lives</h2>

Meanwhile, three people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Houthi-controlled Yemeni port of Hodeida, the Iran-backed group said on Sunday (July 21), a day after the group's deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv.

The strikes on the port, which triggered a raging fire and cloud of black smoke, are the first claimed by Israel in the Arabian peninsula's poorest country, about 2,000 kilometres (1,300 miles) away, analysts said.

"There is a prize for every Israeli citizen’s blood," Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said, adding more operations against the Houthis would follow "if they dare to attack us".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-hamas-launch-rocket-barrages-at-north-israel-742697">Hezbollah, Hamas launch rocket barrages at north Israel</a>

Gallant stated that the strikes on Hodeida served as a warning to other Iran-backed armed groups throughout the Middle East, which have claimed responsibility for attacks on Israel during the Gaza conflict.

"The fire that burning in Hodeida, is seen across the Middle East and the meaning is clear," Gallant said.

The Israeli strikes killed three people and injured 87, according to a statement from the rebel-run health ministry, as reported by Houthi media. The ministry previously noted that most of the injured had sustained severe burns.

<h2>Netanyahu's stern warning to Israel's enemies</h2>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned anyone "who harms us will pay a very heavy price", after Friday's drone attack in Tel Aviv that killed an Israeli civilian.

"I have a very simple message for Israel's enemies-&nbsp;Do not doubt Israel's determination to defend itself. All those who wants to harm us will pay a very heavy price for their aggression," Netanyahu said in a televised address.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening: 
 
“From the beginning of the war, I made it clear that Israel will act against all those who attack us. 
 
This is why earlier today, I asked the Israeli cabinet to back my decision to strike against the Houthi targets in Yemen. <a href="https://t.co/xWE3KXQaeV">pic.twitter.com/xWE3KXQaeV</a>
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1814763306264957160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Netanyahu stated, "It was used as their (Houthis) entry point for weapons supplied by Iran to its Houthi terrorist proxies. The Houthis have used those weapons to attack Israel, attack Arab states in the region, and attack many others."

<h2>Brutal aggression</h2>

In a statement on social media, top Houthi official Mohammed Abdulsalam described the event as "brutal Israel aggression against Yemen".

He stated that the attack targeted "fuel storage facilities and a power plant" in Hodeida "to pressure Yemen to stop supporting" Palestinians in the Gaza war.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-explosion-rocks-tel-aviv-amid-rising-tensions-with-hezbollah-and-hamas-742229" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Israel: Explosion rocks Tel Aviv amid rising tensions between Hezbollah and Hamas</a>

"The city is dark, people are on the streets, petrol stations are closed and witnessing long queues," said a Hodeida resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

In a statement published by the Houthi-run Saba news agency, the oil ministry sought to reassure Yemenis that there are "large and sufficient amounts of oil reserves."

While the maritime security firm Ambrey stated it observed four merchant vessels in the port at the time of the air strike and another eight in the anchorage.&nbsp;

"No damage to merchant vessels has been reported at this time," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli military said on Sunday (July 21) that it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen towards the Red Sea resort town of Eilat, after Israel bombed a port held by the country's Houthi rebels.

The Israeli military said on Sunday (July 21) that it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen towards the Red Sea resort town of Eilat, after Israel bombed a port held by the country's Houthi rebels. "The projectile did not cross into Israeli territory. Rocket and missile sirens were sounded following the possibility of falling shrapnel," the military said in a statement. Israel's aerial defence system has repeatedly shot down Houthi weapons off the coast of Eilat in recent months. Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen, claims three lives Meanwhile, three people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Houthi-controlled Yemeni port of Hodeida, the Iran-backed group said on Sunday (July 21), a day after the group's deadly drone attack in Tel Aviv. The strikes on the port, which triggered a raging fire and cloud of black smoke, are the first claimed by Israel in the Arabian peninsula's poorest country, about 2,000 kilometres (1,300 miles) away, analysts said. "There is a prize for every Israeli citizen’s blood," Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said, adding more operations against the Houthis would follow "if they dare to attack us". Also read: Hezbollah, Hamas launch rocket barrages at north Israel Gallant stated that the strikes on Hodeida served as a warning to other Iran-backed armed groups throughout the Middle East, which have claimed responsibility for attacks on Israel during the Gaza conflict. "The fire that burning in Hodeida, is seen across the Middle East and the meaning is clear," Gallant said. The Israeli strikes killed three people and injured 87, according to a statement from the rebel-run health ministry, as reported by Houthi media. The ministry previously noted that most of the injured had sustained severe burns. Netanyahu's stern warning to Israel's enemies Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned anyone "who harms us will pay a very heavy price", after Friday's drone attack in Tel Aviv that killed an Israeli civilian. "I have a very simple message for Israel's enemies- Do not doubt Israel's determination to defend itself. All those who wants to harm us will pay a very heavy price for their aggression," Netanyahu said in a televised address. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening: “From the beginning of the war, I made it clear that Israel will act against all those who attack us. This is why earlier today, I asked the Israeli cabinet to back my decision to strike against the Houthi targets in Yemen. pic.twitter.com/xWE3KXQaeV — Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) July 20, 2024 × Netanyahu stated, "It was used as their (Houthis) entry point for weapons supplied by Iran to its Houthi terrorist proxies. The Houthis have used those weapons to attack Israel, attack Arab states in the region, and attack many others." Brutal aggression In a statement on social media, top Houthi official Mohammed Abdulsalam described the event as "brutal Israel aggression against Yemen". He stated that the attack targeted "fuel storage facilities and a power plant" in Hodeida "to pressure Yemen to stop supporting" Palestinians in the Gaza war. Also read | Israel: Explosion rocks Tel Aviv amid rising tensions between Hezbollah and Hamas "The city is dark, people are on the streets, petrol stations are closed and witnessing long queues," said a Hodeida resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity. In a statement published by the Houthi-run Saba news agency, the oil ministry sought to reassure Yemenis that there are "large and sufficient amounts of oil reserves." While the maritime security firm Ambrey stated it observed four merchant vessels in the port at the time of the air strike and another eight in the anchorage. "No damage to merchant vessels has been reported at this time," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli military intercepts missile fired from Yemen

Two of the three people killed in a missile attack on a bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden have been identified as Filipino nationals, the country's&nbsp;Department of Migrant Workers confirmed on Thursday (Mar 7).

A missile from Yemen on Wednesday hit a bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden which killed three people and injured four others.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthi-attack-leaves-2-dead-6-injured-on-commercial-ship-near-yemen-says-us-officials-697407">Houthi attack leaves 3 dead, 6 injured on commercial ship near Yemen, says US officials</a>

Wednesday's incident marked the first time when fatalities due to Houthi attacks in either the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden claimed lives.<img alt="Google Earth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2f0b1d8d-92f1-4c54-bdd5-ed308c394ba4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-03-07T103645.881.png" />

Courtesy: Google Earth

The attack, a fallout of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza,&nbsp;adds a deadly dimension to the disruptions on a vital maritime route that connects West Asia with Europe.

The ship that came under attack was identified as Barbados-flagged True Confidence. It was hit in the Gulf of Aden at about 11:30 (GMT), according to the US military. The ship was&nbsp;abandoned and had been drifting with a fire on board after the strike.

"These reckless attacks by the Houthis have disrupted global trade and taken the lives of international seafarers," US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees operations in West Asia.

In a statement, Houthis said that the True Confidence's crew had ignored warnings from Houthi naval forces.

The vessel reportedly had a crew of 20, comprising one Indian, four Vietnamese and 15 Filipino nationals.

According to the BBC, three armed guards - two from Sri Lanka and one from Nepal - were also on board.

The attack reportedly took place about 50 nautical miles (93km) south-west of the Yemeni city of Aden, according to an official statement by ship's owners and managers.

Following the attack,&nbsp;two US-led air strikes reportedly targeted the international airport in the Houthi-controlled Red Sea port city of Hudaydah.

The naval vessels from a US-led international maritime coalition were supporting the ship and its crew.

The Houthis claimed the True Confidence was an "American ship". But there emerged "no current connection with any US entity".

A US State Department spokesperson&nbsp;Matthew Miller said: "The Houthis have continued to launch these reckless attacks with no regard for the well-being of innocent civilians who are transiting through the Red Sea and now they have unfortunately and tragically killed innocent civilians."

(With inputs from agencies)

Two of the three people killed in a missile attack on a bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden have been identified as Filipino nationals, the country's Department of Migrant Workers confirmed on Thursday (Mar 7).

Two of the three people killed in a missile attack on a bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden have been identified as Filipino nationals, the country's Department of Migrant Workers confirmed on Thursday (Mar 7). A missile from Yemen on Wednesday hit a bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden which killed three people and injured four others. Also read | Houthi attack leaves 3 dead, 6 injured on commercial ship near Yemen, says US officials Wednesday's incident marked the first time when fatalities due to Houthi attacks in either the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden claimed lives. Courtesy: Google Earth The attack, a fallout of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, adds a deadly dimension to the disruptions on a vital maritime route that connects West Asia with Europe. The ship that came under attack was identified as Barbados-flagged True Confidence. It was hit in the Gulf of Aden at about 11:30 (GMT), according to the US military. The ship was abandoned and had been drifting with a fire on board after the strike. "These reckless attacks by the Houthis have disrupted global trade and taken the lives of international seafarers," US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees operations in West Asia. In a statement, Houthis said that the True Confidence's crew had ignored warnings from Houthi naval forces. The vessel reportedly had a crew of 20, comprising one Indian, four Vietnamese and 15 Filipino nationals. According to the BBC, three armed guards - two from Sri Lanka and one from Nepal - were also on board. The attack reportedly took place about 50 nautical miles (93km) south-west of the Yemeni city of Aden, according to an official statement by ship's owners and managers. Following the attack, two US-led air strikes reportedly targeted the international airport in the Houthi-controlled Red Sea port city of Hudaydah. The naval vessels from a US-led international maritime coalition were supporting the ship and its crew. The Houthis claimed the True Confidence was an "American ship". But there emerged "no current connection with any US entity". A US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said: "The Houthis have continued to launch these reckless attacks with no regard for the well-being of innocent civilians who are transiting through the Red Sea and now they have unfortunately and tragically killed innocent civilians." (With inputs from agencies)

Two Filipino nationals among three killed in Houthi missile attack in Gulf of Aden

An incident in the Red Sea has cut three underwater sea cables providing internet and telecommunications around the world as the waterway remains a target of Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Three Red Sea underwater data cables have been cut amid Houthi attacks

Maersk, a key player in the global shipping industry, has issued a cautionary note, indicating that disruptions to container shipping through the Red Sea may extend into the second half of the year. <o:p></o:p>

The company highlights heavy congestion and delays for US-bound goods as a result of shifting shipping routes away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal due to attacks by Houthi militants. <o:p></o:p>

Maersk's head of North America, Charles van der Steene, emphasised the need for businesses to anticipate extended challenges. "Be prepared for the Red Sea situation to last into the second half of the year and build longer transit times into your supply chain planning," Reuters quoted him as saying. <o:p></o:p>

In response to the ongoing disruptions, Maersk has increased vessel capacity by about 6 per cent to counter delays resulting from the adoption of the longer route around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. <o:p></o:p>

This strategic move aims to mitigate the impact on global trade as major shipping companies adapt to the evolving dynamics of the Red Sea region.<o:p></o:p>

Maersk, serving as a bellwether for global trade, has not only warned of potential prolonged disruptions but has also advised its customers, including retail giants Walmart and Nike, to brace for higher supply chain costs. <o:p></o:p>

The company highlights the fact that longer sailing times have already led to increased freight rates, potentially altering cost structures for businesses relying on consistent budgeting. <o:p></o:p>

Van der Steene noted, "Many customers factor a cost per unit into their budgeting, and if that fundamentally changes due to all of this volatility, it could have a big impact on overall costs.”<o:p></o:p>

The extended route around Africa has not only affected transit times but has also resulted in substantial delays for vessels bound for the US East Coast. <o:p></o:p>

Maersk recommends that businesses consider alternative ports in Mexico, the Pacific Northwest, and Los Angeles for goods destined for the East Coast. <o:p></o:p>

The ripple effects of these disruptions are palpable, necessitating strategic adjustments in logistics planning.<o:p></o:p>

Furthermore, Maersk notes heavy congestion in Oakland, California, causing additional delays for container vessels returning to Asia to pick up goods. <o:p></o:p>

This bottleneck in the supply chain adds another layer of complexity, highlighting the need for businesses to explore alternative routes and ports to maintain operational efficiency.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Maersk, a key player in the global shipping industry, has issued a cautionary note, indicating that disruptions to container shipping through the Red Sea may extend into the second half of the year.

Maersk, a key player in the global shipping industry, has issued a cautionary note, indicating that disruptions to container shipping through the Red Sea may extend into the second half of the year. The company highlights heavy congestion and delays for US-bound goods as a result of shifting shipping routes away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal due to attacks by Houthi militants. Maersk's head of North America, Charles van der Steene, emphasised the need for businesses to anticipate extended challenges. "Be prepared for the Red Sea situation to last into the second half of the year and build longer transit times into your supply chain planning," Reuters quoted him as saying. In response to the ongoing disruptions, Maersk has increased vessel capacity by about 6 per cent to counter delays resulting from the adoption of the longer route around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. This strategic move aims to mitigate the impact on global trade as major shipping companies adapt to the evolving dynamics of the Red Sea region. Maersk, serving as a bellwether for global trade, has not only warned of potential prolonged disruptions but has also advised its customers, including retail giants Walmart and Nike, to brace for higher supply chain costs. The company highlights the fact that longer sailing times have already led to increased freight rates, potentially altering cost structures for businesses relying on consistent budgeting. Van der Steene noted, "Many customers factor a cost per unit into their budgeting, and if that fundamentally changes due to all of this volatility, it could have a big impact on overall costs.” The extended route around Africa has not only affected transit times but has also resulted in substantial delays for vessels bound for the US East Coast. Maersk recommends that businesses consider alternative ports in Mexico, the Pacific Northwest, and Los Angeles for goods destined for the East Coast. The ripple effects of these disruptions are palpable, necessitating strategic adjustments in logistics planning. Furthermore, Maersk notes heavy congestion in Oakland, California, causing additional delays for container vessels returning to Asia to pick up goods. This bottleneck in the supply chain adds another layer of complexity, highlighting the need for businesses to explore alternative routes and ports to maintain operational efficiency. (With inputs from Reuters)

Maersk issues warning on prolonged Red Sea disruptions, supply chain challenges

A recent survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce has revealed that a majority of UK exporters and manufacturers have been adversely affected by the disruptions in the Red Sea, stemming from attacks on shipping vessels by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.<o:p></o:p>

According to the survey findings, 55 per cent of exporters and 53 per cent of manufacturers and business-to-consumer services firms, including retailers and wholesalers, reported experiencing disruptions, with 37 per cent of all businesses reporting some level of impact.<o:p></o:p>

"There has been spare capacity in the shipping freight industry to respond to the difficulties, which has bought us some time. But our research suggests that the longer the current situation persists, the more likely it is that the cost pressures will start to build," William Bain, the head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce told Reuters.<o:p></o:p>

Businesses across various sectors have encountered a range of challenges due to the Red Sea disruption, including increases in container hire costs and delivery delays ranging from three to four weeks. <o:p></o:p>

Moreover, many companies have grappled with cash flow difficulties and shortages of crucial parts, exacerbating operational strains.<o:p></o:p>

The Bank of England has identified the disruptions in the Red Sea as one of the primary upside risks to inflation this year. <o:p></o:p>

Despite initial concerns about the economic impact of the attacks and broader conflicts in West Asia, the repercussions in Britain have been less severe than anticipated. <o:p></o:p>

However, heightened tensions in the region have raised concerns about potential escalation and further economic ramifications.<o:p></o:p>

The Houthi rebels have intensified their attacks on shipping vessels, particularly those with links to Israel, the United States, and Britain. <o:p></o:p>

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, compounded by the Israel-Hamas war, has fuelled these retaliatory actions, disrupting vital trade routes in the region.<o:p></o:p>

The survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce, encompassing responses from 1,087 firms, sheds light on the widespread ramifications of the Red Sea disruption on UK businesses. <o:p></o:p>

With the majority of surveyed businesses reporting adverse effects, the need for swift resolution and effective mitigation strategies becomes increasingly imperative to safeguard economic stability and mitigate further disruptions.<o:p></o:p>

The recent spike in costs reported by British businesses, as indicated by the S&amp;P Purchasing Managers' Index, has brought out the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by the Red Sea disruption. <o:p></o:p>

While higher freight costs attributed to the ongoing disruptions have contributed to increased expenses for many manufacturers, rising wage bills remain a significant factor impacting overall costs for businesses across various sectors.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

A recent survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce has revealed that a majority of UK exporters and manufacturers have been adversely affected by the disruptions in the Red Sea, stemming from attacks on shipping vessels by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.

A recent survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce has revealed that a majority of UK exporters and manufacturers have been adversely affected by the disruptions in the Red Sea, stemming from attacks on shipping vessels by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. According to the survey findings, 55 per cent of exporters and 53 per cent of manufacturers and business-to-consumer services firms, including retailers and wholesalers, reported experiencing disruptions, with 37 per cent of all businesses reporting some level of impact. "There has been spare capacity in the shipping freight industry to respond to the difficulties, which has bought us some time. But our research suggests that the longer the current situation persists, the more likely it is that the cost pressures will start to build," William Bain, the head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce told Reuters. Businesses across various sectors have encountered a range of challenges due to the Red Sea disruption, including increases in container hire costs and delivery delays ranging from three to four weeks. Moreover, many companies have grappled with cash flow difficulties and shortages of crucial parts, exacerbating operational strains. The Bank of England has identified the disruptions in the Red Sea as one of the primary upside risks to inflation this year. Despite initial concerns about the economic impact of the attacks and broader conflicts in West Asia, the repercussions in Britain have been less severe than anticipated. However, heightened tensions in the region have raised concerns about potential escalation and further economic ramifications. The Houthi rebels have intensified their attacks on shipping vessels, particularly those with links to Israel, the United States, and Britain. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, compounded by the Israel-Hamas war, has fuelled these retaliatory actions, disrupting vital trade routes in the region. The survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce, encompassing responses from 1,087 firms, sheds light on the widespread ramifications of the Red Sea disruption on UK businesses. With the majority of surveyed businesses reporting adverse effects, the need for swift resolution and effective mitigation strategies becomes increasingly imperative to safeguard economic stability and mitigate further disruptions. The recent spike in costs reported by British businesses, as indicated by the S&P Purchasing Managers' Index, has brought out the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by the Red Sea disruption. While higher freight costs attributed to the ongoing disruptions have contributed to increased expenses for many manufacturers, rising wage bills remain a significant factor impacting overall costs for businesses across various sectors. (With inputs from Reuters)

UK exporters and manufacturers grapple with Red Sea disruption: Report

Houthi rebels say ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea are their latest maritime targets. Yemen's Houthi rebels say they have targeted what they claim to be an Israeli cargo ship, the MSC Silver, in the Gulf of Aden near the entrance to the Red Sea with a number of missiles.

Red Sea Crisis: Houthis warn of escalating attacks on ships

Red Sea crisis: The United States said that its forces in the Red Sea region conducted five "self defense strikes" against three anti-ship cruise missiles as well as one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV) and an unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Yemeni territories controlled by the country's Houthi rebels.&nbsp;

The Houthis declared an unprecedented offensive against US maritime assets in the Red Sea on October 23 last year in purported solidarity with Palestinians under attack in Gaza following Israel's retaliatory state of war after the October 7 Hamas attacks. While they initially claimed that their state of offensive was specifically against Israel-linked merchant vessels, in the forthcoming weeks, several merchant vessels from other nations also came under attack&nbsp;— stoking a heightened deployment of maritime assets by the US and allies in the region.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;The war comes to The Red Sea

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"This is the first observed Houthi employment of a UUV since attacks began in Oct. 23," the US Central Command said.&nbsp;

It also said that the military equipment allegedly possessed by the Houthi rebels in Yemen "presented an imminent threat to the US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region", and thus they determined to target them on February 17.

"These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy and merchant vessels," the US Central Command reasoned.&nbsp;

Earlier on Feb 16, the US&nbsp;State Department announced that a Panamanian-flagged tanker carrying crude oil bound for India was struck by a missile in the Red Sea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-ship-attacks-inside-disrupted-shipping-route-over-west-asias-gate-of-tears-673216">Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears'</a>

Around 20,000 ships transit every year through the Suez Canal, carrying millions of barrels of oil every day as well as&nbsp;goods made in Asia.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/25/401386-untitled-design-2023-12-25t002340471.png?imwidth=500" />

According to the London-based International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), 12 per cent of the world's ship-borne trade passes through the Red Sea. The Houthi attacks have therefore&nbsp;disrupted one of the world's busiest shipping routes as shipping companies&nbsp;are using a much longer route to Europe around southern Africa instead.

The US and allies have been carrying out air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since 11 January. There have been several more strikes on maritime vessels&nbsp;since then.

US President Joe Biden said they were in "direct response" to the attacks on Red Sea ships, which "jeopardised trade, and threatened freedom of navigation".

(With inputs from agencies)

Red Sea crisis: The United States said that its forces in the Red Sea region conducted five "self defense strikes" against three anti-ship cruise missiles as well as one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV) and an unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Yemeni territories controlled by the country's Houthi rebels.

Red Sea crisis: The United States said that its forces in the Red Sea region conducted five "self defense strikes" against three anti-ship cruise missiles as well as one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV) and an unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Yemeni territories controlled by the country's Houthi rebels. The Houthis declared an unprecedented offensive against US maritime assets in the Red Sea on October 23 last year in purported solidarity with Palestinians under attack in Gaza following Israel's retaliatory state of war after the October 7 Hamas attacks. While they initially claimed that their state of offensive was specifically against Israel-linked merchant vessels, in the forthcoming weeks, several merchant vessels from other nations also came under attack — stoking a heightened deployment of maritime assets by the US and allies in the region. Also watch | The war comes to The Red Sea × "This is the first observed Houthi employment of a UUV since attacks began in Oct. 23," the US Central Command said. It also said that the military equipment allegedly possessed by the Houthi rebels in Yemen "presented an imminent threat to the US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region", and thus they determined to target them on February 17. "These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy and merchant vessels," the US Central Command reasoned. Earlier on Feb 16, the US State Department announced that a Panamanian-flagged tanker carrying crude oil bound for India was struck by a missile in the Red Sea. Also read | Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears' Around 20,000 ships transit every year through the Suez Canal, carrying millions of barrels of oil every day as well as goods made in Asia. According to the London-based International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), 12 per cent of the world's ship-borne trade passes through the Red Sea. The Houthi attacks have therefore disrupted one of the world's busiest shipping routes as shipping companies are using a much longer route to Europe around southern Africa instead. The US and allies have been carrying out air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since 11 January. There have been several more strikes on maritime vessels since then. US President Joe Biden said they were in "direct response" to the attacks on Red Sea ships, which "jeopardised trade, and threatened freedom of navigation". (With inputs from agencies)

Red Sea crisis: Houthis use unmanned underwater vessels for first time, says US

The United States officials have approved plans for a series of strikes against Iranian personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria for over a number of days, CBS News reported on Thursday (Feb 1) citing government sources.&nbsp;

The strikes will come in response to drone and rocket attacks targeting US forces in the region, including the recent drone attack that killed three US service members in Jordan and left dozens others injured.&nbsp;

The CBS report quoted US officials as saying the weather was a factor in the timing of the planned strikes, as Washington prefers to carry out strikes when visibility is good over its targets to safeguard against hitting civilians.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-chief-apologizes-for-concealing-hospitalization-686070">US defense chief apologises for concealing hospitalisation</a>

Washington has said the attack on its troops&nbsp;in Jordan near the Syrian border bore the "footprints" of Ketaib Hezbollah, which is a pro-Iranian militia based in Iraq. That group said on Wednesday it was suspending military action against US&nbsp;forces to avoid embarrassing the Iraqi government.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, four US officials told the news agency Reuters that the drone used in the attack was believed to have been made in Iran, linking Tehran directly to the attacks. But Iran has denied any role.&nbsp;

Watch this video:&nbsp;

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-approves-sale-of-mq-9b-remotely-piloted-aircraft-to-india-686080">US approves sale of MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft to India</a>

<h2>Iran 'not afraid of war' with US&nbsp;</h2>

Hossein Salami, the chief commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said on Wednesday, that Tehran is not afraid of direct military confrontation with Washington.&nbsp;He also said that threats coming from the US&nbsp;will not be left unanswered, further adding that Iran is not seeking war with the US.&nbsp;

"We hear some threats from American officials about targeting Iran. We tell them that you tested us and we know each other. We do not leave any threat unanswered, and we do not look for war, but we are not afraid of it. This is the well-known truth," he said.&nbsp;

According to the official IRNA news agency, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said, "America must stop using the language of threat and projection and focus on a political solution."&nbsp;

"Iran's response to threats is decisive and immediate," he added.&nbsp;

Iran's comment came after Biden's remarks, in which he said he had decided on a response to a drone attack. But even the Biden administration had stressed that it was not seeking a war with Iran.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United States officials have approved plans for a series of strikes against Iranian personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria for over a number of days, CBS News reported on Thursday (Feb 1) citing government sources.

The United States officials have approved plans for a series of strikes against Iranian personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria for over a number of days, CBS News reported on Thursday (Feb 1) citing government sources. The strikes will come in response to drone and rocket attacks targeting US forces in the region, including the recent drone attack that killed three US service members in Jordan and left dozens others injured. The CBS report quoted US officials as saying the weather was a factor in the timing of the planned strikes, as Washington prefers to carry out strikes when visibility is good over its targets to safeguard against hitting civilians. Also read: US defense chief apologises for concealing hospitalisation Washington has said the attack on its troops in Jordan near the Syrian border bore the "footprints" of Ketaib Hezbollah, which is a pro-Iranian militia based in Iraq. That group said on Wednesday it was suspending military action against US forces to avoid embarrassing the Iraqi government. Meanwhile, four US officials told the news agency Reuters that the drone used in the attack was believed to have been made in Iran, linking Tehran directly to the attacks. But Iran has denied any role. Watch this video: × Also read: US approves sale of MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft to India Iran 'not afraid of war' with US Hossein Salami, the chief commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said on Wednesday, that Tehran is not afraid of direct military confrontation with Washington. He also said that threats coming from the US will not be left unanswered, further adding that Iran is not seeking war with the US. "We hear some threats from American officials about targeting Iran. We tell them that you tested us and we know each other. We do not leave any threat unanswered, and we do not look for war, but we are not afraid of it. This is the well-known truth," he said. According to the official IRNA news agency, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said, "America must stop using the language of threat and projection and focus on a political solution." "Iran's response to threats is decisive and immediate," he added. Iran's comment came after Biden's remarks, in which he said he had decided on a response to a drone attack. But even the Biden administration had stressed that it was not seeking a war with Iran. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden government approves strikes against Iranian targets in Iraq and Syria: Report

American forces on Wednesday (Jan 31) claimed they had destroyed a missile belonging to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels that posed an "imminent threat" to US aircraft.&nbsp;

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it&nbsp;“struck and destroyed a Houthi surface-to-air missile that was prepared to launch” after determining that it “presented an imminent threat to US aircraft".&nbsp;

A few hours later, another anti-ship ballistic missile and Iranian drones were shot down in the Gulf of Aden, CENTCOM added. The US military added it had attacked and neutralised a drone ground control station that posed threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region.&nbsp;

"On Feb&nbsp;1&nbsp;at approximately 1:30 am, (Sanaa time), US Central Command forces conducted strikes against an Iranian-backed Houthi UAV ground control station and 10 Houthi one-way UAVs. read the statement.&nbsp;

"US forces identified the UAV ground control station and one-way attack UAVs in Houthi- controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the US&nbsp;Navy ships in the region."

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Houthi Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile and Iranian UAVs Shot Down in Gulf of Aden <a href="https://t.co/hMpm561TZ1">pic.twitter.com/hMpm561TZ1</a>
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1752876704295465243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Notably, the Iran-aligned group on Wednesday released a statement saying it will continue to target US and British warships participating in “aggression” against Yemen.&nbsp;

<h2>Why the attacks?</h2>

The United States and British forces on January 12&nbsp;launched strikes in retaliation to the attacks by Houthi terrorists on Red Sea shipping vessels which are linked to Israel.

Australia also provided personnel support to the strikes, which&nbsp;involved various Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets.&nbsp;

After launching strikes against Houthis, the United States and its allies said that stabilising crucial Red Sea shipping lanes remains their primary goal.

Houthis&nbsp;claim that their attacks are aimed at showing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Also watch |&nbsp;West Asia crisis: Three US soldiers killed, at least 34 injured in Jordan drone attack

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<h2>Iran-backed militia responsible for Jordan attacks</h2>

Amid the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, the White House also blamed an Iran-backed militia group for the drone attack on Al-Tanf, a US military site&nbsp;in Jordan, earlier this week.&nbsp;

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said US intelligence believed&nbsp;the Islamic Resistance in Iraq was responsible for the attack that killed three soldiers and injured 40.&nbsp;

Previously, US President Joe Biden had also blamed Iran for the strike and vowed that Washington would respond to the attack.&nbsp;

"We know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq," Biden said in the aftermath.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-vows-action-after-jordan-attack-releases-names-of-3-us-soldiers-killed-684938">Also read |&nbsp;Pentagon vows action after Jordan attack, releases names of 3 soldiers killed as Iran denies involvement</a>

"We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt -- we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing," he added.

The three US soldiers killed have been identified as&nbsp;army reservists Sgt William Jerome Rivers, Spc Breonna Alexsondria Moffett and Spc Kennedy Sanders.

(With inputs from agencies)

American forces on Wednesday (Jan 31) claimed they had destroyed a missile belonging to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels that posed an "imminent threat" to US aircraft.

American forces on Wednesday (Jan 31) claimed they had destroyed a missile belonging to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels that posed an "imminent threat" to US aircraft. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it “struck and destroyed a Houthi surface-to-air missile that was prepared to launch” after determining that it “presented an imminent threat to US aircraft". A few hours later, another anti-ship ballistic missile and Iranian drones were shot down in the Gulf of Aden, CENTCOM added. The US military added it had attacked and neutralised a drone ground control station that posed threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region. "On Feb 1 at approximately 1:30 am, (Sanaa time), US Central Command forces conducted strikes against an Iranian-backed Houthi UAV ground control station and 10 Houthi one-way UAVs. read the statement. "US forces identified the UAV ground control station and one-way attack UAVs in Houthi- controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the US Navy ships in the region." Houthi Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile and Iranian UAVs Shot Down in Gulf of Aden pic.twitter.com/hMpm561TZ1 — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 1, 2024 × Notably, the Iran-aligned group on Wednesday released a statement saying it will continue to target US and British warships participating in “aggression” against Yemen. Why the attacks? The United States and British forces on January 12 launched strikes in retaliation to the attacks by Houthi terrorists on Red Sea shipping vessels which are linked to Israel. Australia also provided personnel support to the strikes, which involved various Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets. After launching strikes against Houthis, the United States and its allies said that stabilising crucial Red Sea shipping lanes remains their primary goal. Houthis claim that their attacks are aimed at showing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Also watch | West Asia crisis: Three US soldiers killed, at least 34 injured in Jordan drone attack Iran-backed militia responsible for Jordan attacks Amid the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, the White House also blamed an Iran-backed militia group for the drone attack on Al-Tanf, a US military site in Jordan, earlier this week. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said US intelligence believed the Islamic Resistance in Iraq was responsible for the attack that killed three soldiers and injured 40. Previously, US President Joe Biden had also blamed Iran for the strike and vowed that Washington would respond to the attack. "We know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq," Biden said in the aftermath. Also read | Pentagon vows action after Jordan attack, releases names of 3 soldiers killed as Iran denies involvement "We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt -- we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing," he added. The three US soldiers killed have been identified as army reservists Sgt William Jerome Rivers, Spc Breonna Alexsondria Moffett and Spc Kennedy Sanders. (With inputs from agencies)

US destroys Houthi missiles targeting warship, blames Iran-backed militia for Jordan attack

An anti-ship missile was struck by the United States' forces in Houthi-held Yemen which they claimed was prepared to fire early on Saturday (Jan 27).&nbsp; The missile was struck hours after a British tanker in the Gulf of Aden was struck by the Iran-backed rebels with a similar munition triggering a fire in the oil tanker, which was later doused by the Indian Navy. 
 
Joint strikes have been launched by the US and British forces which are aimed at reducing the ability of Houthis to target vessels that are moving in the key Red Sea trade route. The rebels have claimed to be in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel and Hamas have been engaged in the war. 
 
A series of unilateral air raids have been carried out by Washington, however, the Houthis have vowed to continue carrying out the attacks.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-offensive-intensifies-in-gaza-despite-icj-ruling-684231">Israel-Hamas war: Israeli offensive intensifies in Gaza despite ICJ ruling</a>

The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed to have carried out another strike on Saturday morning (Jan 27) on a Houthi "anti-ship missile aimed into the Red Sea and which was prepared to launch". 
 
"Forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defence," CENTCOM said, in a statement shared on social media platform X. 
 
Houthis' military spokesman Yahya Saree had earlier said that the British oil tanker, named Marlin Luanda, was struck by missiles which were launched by Yemeni naval forces, said the Houthis' military spokesman, Yahya Saree. "The strike was direct, and resulted (in) the burning of the vessel," he said. 
 
Later, CENTCOM, confirming the strike, said, "The ship issued a distress call and reported damage. USS Carney (DDG 64) and other coalition ships have responded and are rendering assistance. No injuries have been reported at this time."

<h2 lang="en-US">Oil tanker on fire in Gulf of Aden</h2>

The Houthis, on Friday (Jan 26), fired an anti-ship ballistic missile towards the Carney in the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, said CENTCOM. 
 
"The missile was successfully shot down by USS Carney. There were no injuries or damage reported," it said. 
 
Earlier, risk monitor Ambrey said that a Panama-flagged oil tanker "reported seeing two blasts" in the Gulf of Aden, which was corroborated by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) of the British Navy. However, no damage was reported on the oil tanker.

Watch: Yemen Houthi rebels escalate Red sea attacks

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The security firm said that the missiles blasted nearly a mile from the India-affiliated oil tanker and 200-300 metres (650-1,000 feet), which was above the waterline. UKMTO said that the missiles were detonated in the water. 
 
In the month of November, the Houthis started targeting Red Sea shipping, stating that they were striking Israeli-linked vessels to express their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Indian Navy responds to distress call by vessel in Gulf of Aden</h2>

Indian Navy's guided-missile destroyer responded to an SOS call issued by a merchant ship, Marlin Launda, after it was struck by a missile and caught fire in the Gulf of Aden, said the Indian Navy in a statement on Saturday (Jan 27).&nbsp;

There were 22 Indians and a Bangladeshi crew on board. On the basis of the request from MV Merlin Luanda, INS Visakhapatnam sent the Ship's NBCD team along with firefighting equipment to provide assistance to the crew in its firefighting efforts, said the Indian Navy.

"Indian Navy remains steadfast and committed to safeguarding merchant vessels and ensuring safety of life at sea," said the Indian Navy, in the statement.

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Captain Avinash Rawat, Captain of MV Marlin Luanda which came under missile strike: 
 
"Really appreciate the other navies, they also helped us, but it was the Indian Navy who went out of the book &amp; helped us out" <a href="https://t.co/gDSY3PnmAV">https://t.co/gDSY3PnmAV</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1751284463965995126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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After six hours of battling the fire along with the crew of MV Marlin Luanda, the Indian Naval firefighting team&nbsp;successfully brought the fire under control. The team is currently monitoring the situation to rule out any possibility of re-ignition. &nbsp;

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Breaking: First visuals of Indian Navy's firefighting team in action onboard MV Marlin Luanda which came under missile attack. <a href="https://t.co/fcuaQ5RVEP">https://t.co/fcuaQ5RVEP</a> <a href="https://t.co/xHSS9akjdt">pic.twitter.com/xHSS9akjdt</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1751286126055456832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

An anti-ship missile was struck by the United States' forces in Houthi-held Yemen which they claimed was prepared to fire early on Saturday (Jan 27). The missile was struck hours after a British tanker in the Gulf of Aden was struck by the Iran-backed rebels with a similar munition triggering a fire in the oil tanker, which was later doused by the Indian Navy.

An anti-ship missile was struck by the United States' forces in Houthi-held Yemen which they claimed was prepared to fire early on Saturday (Jan 27). The missile was struck hours after a British tanker in the Gulf of Aden was struck by the Iran-backed rebels with a similar munition triggering a fire in the oil tanker, which was later doused by the Indian Navy. Joint strikes have been launched by the US and British forces which are aimed at reducing the ability of Houthis to target vessels that are moving in the key Red Sea trade route. The rebels have claimed to be in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel and Hamas have been engaged in the war. A series of unilateral air raids have been carried out by Washington, however, the Houthis have vowed to continue carrying out the attacks. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Israeli offensive intensifies in Gaza despite ICJ ruling The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed to have carried out another strike on Saturday morning (Jan 27) on a Houthi "anti-ship missile aimed into the Red Sea and which was prepared to launch". "Forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defence," CENTCOM said, in a statement shared on social media platform X. Houthis' military spokesman Yahya Saree had earlier said that the British oil tanker, named Marlin Luanda, was struck by missiles which were launched by Yemeni naval forces, said the Houthis' military spokesman, Yahya Saree. "The strike was direct, and resulted (in) the burning of the vessel," he said. Later, CENTCOM, confirming the strike, said, "The ship issued a distress call and reported damage. USS Carney (DDG 64) and other coalition ships have responded and are rendering assistance. No injuries have been reported at this time." Oil tanker on fire in Gulf of Aden The Houthis, on Friday (Jan 26), fired an anti-ship ballistic missile towards the Carney in the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, said CENTCOM. "The missile was successfully shot down by USS Carney. There were no injuries or damage reported," it said. Earlier, risk monitor Ambrey said that a Panama-flagged oil tanker "reported seeing two blasts" in the Gulf of Aden, which was corroborated by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) of the British Navy. However, no damage was reported on the oil tanker. Watch: Yemen Houthi rebels escalate Red sea attacks The security firm said that the missiles blasted nearly a mile from the India-affiliated oil tanker and 200-300 metres (650-1,000 feet), which was above the waterline. UKMTO said that the missiles were detonated in the water. In the month of November, the Houthis started targeting Red Sea shipping, stating that they were striking Israeli-linked vessels to express their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Indian Navy responds to distress call by vessel in Gulf of Aden Indian Navy's guided-missile destroyer responded to an SOS call issued by a merchant ship, Marlin Launda, after it was struck by a missile and caught fire in the Gulf of Aden, said the Indian Navy in a statement on Saturday (Jan 27). There were 22 Indians and a Bangladeshi crew on board. On the basis of the request from MV Merlin Luanda, INS Visakhapatnam sent the Ship's NBCD team along with firefighting equipment to provide assistance to the crew in its firefighting efforts, said the Indian Navy. "Indian Navy remains steadfast and committed to safeguarding merchant vessels and ensuring safety of life at sea," said the Indian Navy, in the statement. Captain Avinash Rawat, Captain of MV Marlin Luanda which came under missile strike: "Really appreciate the other navies, they also helped us, but it was the Indian Navy who went out of the book & helped us out" https://t.co/gDSY3PnmAV — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 27, 2024 × After six hours of battling the fire along with the crew of MV Marlin Luanda, the Indian Naval firefighting team successfully brought the fire under control. The team is currently monitoring the situation to rule out any possibility of re-ignition. Breaking: First visuals of Indian Navy's firefighting team in action onboard MV Marlin Luanda which came under missile attack. https://t.co/fcuaQ5RVEP pic.twitter.com/xHSS9akjdt — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 27, 2024 × Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Indian Navy douses fire at British oil tanker after US strikes Houthi-linked missile

On #ThisWorld with Vikram Chandra: + Red Sea violence sends shipping costs through the roof. Will the cheque be handed down to you? + Is West Asia just another flare-up away from a full-blown war? + Death toll in Japan earthquake rises to over 100. It's a race against time to rescue those trapped. + The story of Japan's burning plane + Bangladesh heads to poll

Is West Asia just another flare-up away from a full blown war?

Commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Lebanon's Hezbollah group are on the ground in Yemen helping to direct and oversee Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, four regional and two Iranian sources told Reuters.

Iran - which has armed, trained and funded the Houthis - stepped up its weapons supplies to the militia in the wake of the war in Gaza, which erupted after Iranian-backed militants of&nbsp; Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, the four regional sources said.

Tehran has provided advanced drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, precision-strike ballistic missiles and medium-range missiles to the Houthis, who started targeting commercial vessels in November in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, the sources said.

IRGC commanders and advisers are also providing know-how, data and intelligence support to determine which of the dozens of vessels travelling through the Red Sea each day are destined for Israel and constitute Houthi targets, all the sources said.

Washington said last month that Iran was deeply involved in planning operations against shipping in the Red Sea and that its intelligence was critical in enabling&nbsp;the Houthis to target ships.

In response to a request for comment for this story, the White House pointed to its previous public comments about how Iran has been supporting the Houthis.

In his weekly news conferences, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has repeatedly denied Tehran is involved in the Red Sea attacks by the Houthis. The IRGC public relations office did not respond to request for comment.

Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam denied any Iranian or Hezbollah involvement in helping to direct the Red Sea attacks. A Hezbollah spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

The Houthis, who emerged in the 1980s as an armed group in opposition to Saudi Arabia's Sunni religious influence in Yemen, say they are supporting Hamas by striking commercial ships they say are either linked to Israel or are heading to Israeli ports.

Their attacks have affected global shipping between Asia and Europe through the Bab al-Mandab strait off Yemen. That has triggered U.S. and British air strikes on Houthi targets in the country, opening a new theatre of conflict linked to the war in Gaza.

The Gaza conflict has also sparked clashes between Israel and Hezbollah militants along the Lebanese border, as well as attacks by Iran-linked groups on U.S. targets in Iraq and Syria.

"The Revolutionary Guards have been helping the Houthis with military training (on advanced weapons)," an Iranian insider told Reuters. "A group of Houthi fighters were in Iran last month and were trained in an IRGC base in central Iran to get familiar with the new technology and the use of missiles."

The person said Iranian commanders had travelled to Yemen as well and set up a command centre in the capital Sanaa for the Red Sea attacks which is being run by the senior IRGC commander responsible for Yemen.

<h2>Regional Strategy</h2>

The Red Sea attacks fit in with Iran's strategy of expanding and mobilising its regional Shi'ite network of armed militias to project its influence and show its ability to threaten maritime security in the region and beyond, two analysts said.

They said Tehran wanted to show that the Gaza war could be too costly for the West if it drags on - and could have catastrophic consequences in the region as things escalate.

"The Houthis are not acting independently," said Abdulaziz al-Sager, director of the Gulf Research Center think-tank, who based his conclusion on a close analysis of the capabilities of the group, which has an estimated 20,000 fighters.

"The Houthis, with their personnel, expertise and capabilities are not that advanced. Dozens of vessels cross through Bab al-Mandab daily, the Houthis don't have the means, resources, knowledge or satellite information to find the specific target and attack," he said.

White House national security spokeswoman Adrienne Watson also said last month that Iranian-provided tactical intelligence had been critical in enabling the Houthis to target ships.

According to two former Yemeni army sources, there is a clear presence of IRGC and Hezbollah members in Yemen. They are responsible for supervising military operations, training and reassembling missiles smuggled into Yemen as separate pieces, the two people said.

Abdulghani Al-Iryani, a senior researcher at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies, an independent think-tank, said: "It is clearly the case that the Iranians are helping identify the target and the destination. There is no local Houthi capacity to do that."

One senior regional source who follows Iran and who spoke on condition of anonymity said: "The political decision is in Tehran, the management is Hezbollah, and the location is the Houthis in Yemen."

<h2>Weapons and advice</h2>

Houthi spokesperson Abdulsalam said the group's aim was to target Israeli ships heading to Israel without causing any human or significant material losses. U.S. and British strikes on Yemen would not force them to back down, he said.

"We don't deny that we have a relationship with Iran and that we have benefited from the Iranian experience in training and military manufacturing and capabilities but the decision taken by Yemen is an independent one that has nothing to do with any other party," he said.

But a security official close to Iran said: "The Houthis have drones, missiles and everything needed for their fight against Israel but they needed guidance and advice on shipping routes and ships, so it has been provided to them by Iran."

When asked what kind of advice Tehran offered, he said it was similar to the advisory role taken by Iran in Syria, ranging from training to overseeing operations when needed.

"A group of Iranian Guards members are in Sanaa now to help the operations," the security official said.

Iran sent hundreds of Revolutionary Guards to Syria, alongside thousands of Hezbollah fighters, to help train and organise Shi'ite militia fighters from Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan to prevent the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad during the Sunni-led insurgency that erupted in 2011.

Washington and Gulf Arab states have repeatedly accused Iran of arming, training and financing the Houthis, who follow an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam and are aligned with Tehran as part of its anti-Western, anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance" alongside Lebanon's Hezbollah and groups in Syria and Iraq.

While Iran has denied having any direct role in the Red Sea attacks, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has praised the Houthis, whose Zaidi sect is an offshoot of Shi'ism, saying he hoped their strikes would last "until victory".

<h2>Train and Equip&nbsp;</h2>

A leader within the coalition of pro-Iranian groups denied there were any commanders from the IRGC or Hezbollah on the ground in Yemen right now.

He said a team of Iranian and Hezbollah military experts had gone to Yemen earlier in its civil war to train, equip and build the manufacturing military capability of the Houthis.

"They came and helped the Houthis and left, just as they did with Hezbollah and Hamas," he said, adding that the military capabilities of the Houthis should not be underestimated.

The person said the Houthis knew the terrain and the sea well and already had the systems in place for attacking ships, including high-precision equipment from Iran.

During the chaotic years after the 2011 Arab Spring uprising in Yemen, the Houthis tightened their grip on the country's north and seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, pushing a Saudi-led coalition to intervene militarily months later.

When Hamas attacked Israel, Iran had little choice but to demonstrate support for the Palestinian group after years of anti-Israel rhetoric but was worried that using Hezbollah would trigger massive Israeli retaliation, analysts said.

Iryani at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies said a major war between Israel and Hezbollah would be disastrous for Lebanon - and endanger the future of the group that has become the most important in Iran's "Axis of Resistance".

By contrast, the Houthis were in a unique strategic position to have a huge impact by disrupting global maritime activity with little effort, he said.

Commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Lebanon's Hezbollah group are on the ground in Yemen helping to direct and oversee Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, four regional and two Iranian sources told Reuters.

Commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Lebanon's Hezbollah group are on the ground in Yemen helping to direct and oversee Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, four regional and two Iranian sources told Reuters. Iran - which has armed, trained and funded the Houthis - stepped up its weapons supplies to the militia in the wake of the war in Gaza, which erupted after Iranian-backed militants of Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, the four regional sources said. Tehran has provided advanced drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, precision-strike ballistic missiles and medium-range missiles to the Houthis, who started targeting commercial vessels in November in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, the sources said. IRGC commanders and advisers are also providing know-how, data and intelligence support to determine which of the dozens of vessels travelling through the Red Sea each day are destined for Israel and constitute Houthi targets, all the sources said. Washington said last month that Iran was deeply involved in planning operations against shipping in the Red Sea and that its intelligence was critical in enabling the Houthis to target ships. In response to a request for comment for this story, the White House pointed to its previous public comments about how Iran has been supporting the Houthis. In his weekly news conferences, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has repeatedly denied Tehran is involved in the Red Sea attacks by the Houthis. The IRGC public relations office did not respond to request for comment. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam denied any Iranian or Hezbollah involvement in helping to direct the Red Sea attacks. A Hezbollah spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. The Houthis, who emerged in the 1980s as an armed group in opposition to Saudi Arabia's Sunni religious influence in Yemen, say they are supporting Hamas by striking commercial ships they say are either linked to Israel or are heading to Israeli ports. Their attacks have affected global shipping between Asia and Europe through the Bab al-Mandab strait off Yemen. That has triggered U.S. and British air strikes on Houthi targets in the country, opening a new theatre of conflict linked to the war in Gaza. The Gaza conflict has also sparked clashes between Israel and Hezbollah militants along the Lebanese border, as well as attacks by Iran-linked groups on U.S. targets in Iraq and Syria. "The Revolutionary Guards have been helping the Houthis with military training (on advanced weapons)," an Iranian insider told Reuters. "A group of Houthi fighters were in Iran last month and were trained in an IRGC base in central Iran to get familiar with the new technology and the use of missiles." The person said Iranian commanders had travelled to Yemen as well and set up a command centre in the capital Sanaa for the Red Sea attacks which is being run by the senior IRGC commander responsible for Yemen. Regional Strategy The Red Sea attacks fit in with Iran's strategy of expanding and mobilising its regional Shi'ite network of armed militias to project its influence and show its ability to threaten maritime security in the region and beyond, two analysts said. They said Tehran wanted to show that the Gaza war could be too costly for the West if it drags on - and could have catastrophic consequences in the region as things escalate. "The Houthis are not acting independently," said Abdulaziz al-Sager, director of the Gulf Research Center think-tank, who based his conclusion on a close analysis of the capabilities of the group, which has an estimated 20,000 fighters. "The Houthis, with their personnel, expertise and capabilities are not that advanced. Dozens of vessels cross through Bab al-Mandab daily, the Houthis don't have the means, resources, knowledge or satellite information to find the specific target and attack," he said. White House national security spokeswoman Adrienne Watson also said last month that Iranian-provided tactical intelligence had been critical in enabling the Houthis to target ships. According to two former Yemeni army sources, there is a clear presence of IRGC and Hezbollah members in Yemen. They are responsible for supervising military operations, training and reassembling missiles smuggled into Yemen as separate pieces, the two people said. Abdulghani Al-Iryani, a senior researcher at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies, an independent think-tank, said: "It is clearly the case that the Iranians are helping identify the target and the destination. There is no local Houthi capacity to do that." One senior regional source who follows Iran and who spoke on condition of anonymity said: "The political decision is in Tehran, the management is Hezbollah, and the location is the Houthis in Yemen." Weapons and advice Houthi spokesperson Abdulsalam said the group's aim was to target Israeli ships heading to Israel without causing any human or significant material losses. U.S. and British strikes on Yemen would not force them to back down, he said. "We don't deny that we have a relationship with Iran and that we have benefited from the Iranian experience in training and military manufacturing and capabilities but the decision taken by Yemen is an independent one that has nothing to do with any other party," he said. But a security official close to Iran said: "The Houthis have drones, missiles and everything needed for their fight against Israel but they needed guidance and advice on shipping routes and ships, so it has been provided to them by Iran." When asked what kind of advice Tehran offered, he said it was similar to the advisory role taken by Iran in Syria, ranging from training to overseeing operations when needed. "A group of Iranian Guards members are in Sanaa now to help the operations," the security official said. Iran sent hundreds of Revolutionary Guards to Syria, alongside thousands of Hezbollah fighters, to help train and organise Shi'ite militia fighters from Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan to prevent the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad during the Sunni-led insurgency that erupted in 2011. Washington and Gulf Arab states have repeatedly accused Iran of arming, training and financing the Houthis, who follow an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam and are aligned with Tehran as part of its anti-Western, anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance" alongside Lebanon's Hezbollah and groups in Syria and Iraq. While Iran has denied having any direct role in the Red Sea attacks, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has praised the Houthis, whose Zaidi sect is an offshoot of Shi'ism, saying he hoped their strikes would last "until victory". Train and Equip A leader within the coalition of pro-Iranian groups denied there were any commanders from the IRGC or Hezbollah on the ground in Yemen right now. He said a team of Iranian and Hezbollah military experts had gone to Yemen earlier in its civil war to train, equip and build the manufacturing military capability of the Houthis. "They came and helped the Houthis and left, just as they did with Hezbollah and Hamas," he said, adding that the military capabilities of the Houthis should not be underestimated. The person said the Houthis knew the terrain and the sea well and already had the systems in place for attacking ships, including high-precision equipment from Iran. During the chaotic years after the 2011 Arab Spring uprising in Yemen, the Houthis tightened their grip on the country's north and seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, pushing a Saudi-led coalition to intervene militarily months later. When Hamas attacked Israel, Iran had little choice but to demonstrate support for the Palestinian group after years of anti-Israel rhetoric but was worried that using Hezbollah would trigger massive Israeli retaliation, analysts said. Iryani at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies said a major war between Israel and Hezbollah would be disastrous for Lebanon - and endanger the future of the group that has become the most important in Iran's "Axis of Resistance". By contrast, the Houthis were in a unique strategic position to have a huge impact by disrupting global maritime activity with little effort, he said.

Iranian and Hezbollah commanders help direct Houthi attacks in Yemen: Report

The escalating disruptions to shipping in the Red Sea are casting a dark shadow over Chinese exporters, inflicting financial strain and logistical challenges.<o:p></o:p>

This is based on a Reuters report.<o:p></o:p>

Han Changming, a Chinese businessman whose trading company Fuzhou Han Changming International Trade Co Ltd faces severe setbacks, revealed that the cost of shipping a container to Europe surged from $3,000 to $7,000 due to heightened attacks on shipping by Yemen's Houthi movement. <o:p></o:p>

"The disruptions have wiped out our already thin profits," Reuters quoted Han as saying.<o:p></o:p>

The impact extends beyond increased shipping costs, with delays and higher insurance premiums taking a toll on businesses.<o:p></o:p>

The Red Sea disruptions are unravelling the intricacies of China's export-dependent economy, highlighting vulnerabilities to supply chain interruptions and external shocks.<o:p></o:p>

Premier Li Qiang, speaking at the World Economic Forum, stressed the importance of maintaining "stable and smooth" global supply chains. While not explicitly mentioning the Red Sea, the remarks highlighted the broader challenges faced by China.<o:p></o:p>

The disruptions are compelling some companies, including US-based BDI Furniture, to diversify production locations, reducing reliance on China amid geopolitical tensions.<o:p></o:p>

The fear now is that a prolonged crisis might encourage a "near-shoring" strategy, prompting businesses to shift production closer to home.<o:p></o:p>

The vulnerability of China's export economy is highlighted by the potential shift of companies opting for alternative manufacturing locations. <o:p></o:p>

Reuters cited Marco Castelli, the founder of IC Trade, who warned, "If it's permanent, then the whole mechanism will be readjusted. Some (companies) may also consider moving more production to India." <o:p></o:p>

The disruptions add to the challenges faced by China's struggling economy, grappling with a property crisis, weak consumer demand, a shrinking population, and sluggish global growth. <o:p></o:p>

As companies like Fuzhou Han Changming International Trade Co Ltd navigate delays and cost increases, there is a growing concern about the broader economic impact.<o:p></o:p>

Han Changming, whose business heavily relies on Europe and Africa trade, is pleading with suppliers and customers to share additional costs to sustain his company.<o:p></o:p>

The disruptions come at a critical time, with many companies already managing logistics challenges ahead of the Lunar New Year in February. The festive season leads to a mass exodus of nearly 300 million migrant workers and temporary factory closures, creating a rush to ship goods in the weeks preceding the holiday. <o:p></o:p>

Mike Sagan, Vice President for supply chains and operations at KidKraft, highlighted the impact, stating, "A lot of suppliers, they're screaming about money today." The disruptions, coupled with concerns about payment delays, are reverberating across the supply chain.<o:p></o:p>

Rerouting vessels from the Red Sea, primarily via the Suez Canal, to circumvent disruptions can add significant delays, impacting global container capacity and disrupting supply chains. <o:p></o:p>

The prolonged shipping schedules could result in delays for goods expected to reach Western shelves in April or May. Some logistics companies are already reporting container shortages at Ningbo-Zhoushan port, one of the world's busiest. <o:p></o:p>

The Suez Canal is a vital route for China's westward shipments, handling around 60 per cent of its exports to Europe. The broader impact on China's export landscape and the interconnected global supply chain remains a significant concern.<o:p></o:p>

The far-reaching consequences of the Red Sea shipping woes extend beyond financial strains to manufacturers reconsidering their future strategies. <o:p></o:p>

Yang Bingben, whose company manufactures industrial-use valves, revealed a substantial reduction in orders amid soaring freight costs. "The impact is huge," said Yang, emphasizing the potential loss. <o:p></o:p>

The uncertainty in trade conditions poses a particularly acute challenge for companies relying on just-in-time deliveries or frequent stock changes. <o:p></o:p>

Gerhard Flatz, Managing Director of premium sportswear manufacturer KTC, voiced concern that companies with shrinking margins might face closure, compounding the economic impact.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

The escalating disruptions to shipping in the Red Sea are casting a dark shadow over Chinese exporters, inflicting financial strain and logistical challenges. This is based on a Reuters report.

The escalating disruptions to shipping in the Red Sea are casting a dark shadow over Chinese exporters, inflicting financial strain and logistical challenges. This is based on a Reuters report. Han Changming, a Chinese businessman whose trading company Fuzhou Han Changming International Trade Co Ltd faces severe setbacks, revealed that the cost of shipping a container to Europe surged from $3,000 to $7,000 due to heightened attacks on shipping by Yemen's Houthi movement. "The disruptions have wiped out our already thin profits," Reuters quoted Han as saying. The impact extends beyond increased shipping costs, with delays and higher insurance premiums taking a toll on businesses. The Red Sea disruptions are unravelling the intricacies of China's export-dependent economy, highlighting vulnerabilities to supply chain interruptions and external shocks. Premier Li Qiang, speaking at the World Economic Forum, stressed the importance of maintaining "stable and smooth" global supply chains. While not explicitly mentioning the Red Sea, the remarks highlighted the broader challenges faced by China. The disruptions are compelling some companies, including US-based BDI Furniture, to diversify production locations, reducing reliance on China amid geopolitical tensions. The fear now is that a prolonged crisis might encourage a "near-shoring" strategy, prompting businesses to shift production closer to home. The vulnerability of China's export economy is highlighted by the potential shift of companies opting for alternative manufacturing locations. Reuters cited Marco Castelli, the founder of IC Trade, who warned, "If it's permanent, then the whole mechanism will be readjusted. Some (companies) may also consider moving more production to India." The disruptions add to the challenges faced by China's struggling economy, grappling with a property crisis, weak consumer demand, a shrinking population, and sluggish global growth. As companies like Fuzhou Han Changming International Trade Co Ltd navigate delays and cost increases, there is a growing concern about the broader economic impact. Han Changming, whose business heavily relies on Europe and Africa trade, is pleading with suppliers and customers to share additional costs to sustain his company. The disruptions come at a critical time, with many companies already managing logistics challenges ahead of the Lunar New Year in February. The festive season leads to a mass exodus of nearly 300 million migrant workers and temporary factory closures, creating a rush to ship goods in the weeks preceding the holiday. Mike Sagan, Vice President for supply chains and operations at KidKraft, highlighted the impact, stating, "A lot of suppliers, they're screaming about money today." The disruptions, coupled with concerns about payment delays, are reverberating across the supply chain. Rerouting vessels from the Red Sea, primarily via the Suez Canal, to circumvent disruptions can add significant delays, impacting global container capacity and disrupting supply chains. The prolonged shipping schedules could result in delays for goods expected to reach Western shelves in April or May. Some logistics companies are already reporting container shortages at Ningbo-Zhoushan port, one of the world's busiest. The Suez Canal is a vital route for China's westward shipments, handling around 60 per cent of its exports to Europe. The broader impact on China's export landscape and the interconnected global supply chain remains a significant concern. The far-reaching consequences of the Red Sea shipping woes extend beyond financial strains to manufacturers reconsidering their future strategies. Yang Bingben, whose company manufactures industrial-use valves, revealed a substantial reduction in orders amid soaring freight costs. "The impact is huge," said Yang, emphasizing the potential loss. The uncertainty in trade conditions poses a particularly acute challenge for companies relying on just-in-time deliveries or frequent stock changes. Gerhard Flatz, Managing Director of premium sportswear manufacturer KTC, voiced concern that companies with shrinking margins might face closure, compounding the economic impact. (With inputs from Reuters)

Red Sea shipping woes wreak havoc on Chinese exporters: Report

US President Joe Biden said on Saturday the United States had delivered a private message to Iran about the Iran-backed Houthi group that is responsible for attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Biden says US sent private message to Iran about Houthi attacks

US & Britain unleash typhoons, tomahawks & nuclear submarine on Houthis in Yemen Myanmar rebels capture a key military headquarters town along the Chinese border Ecuador erupts in violence as drug cartels take 178 prison guards & staff members, hostage, & Papua New Guinea declares a state of emergency as 15 get killed in riots Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth analysis of the world's biggest warzones of the week in #Worldatwar

US & Britain unleash typhoons, Tomahawks & nuclear submarine on Houthis in Yemen

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