Three days following an unmanned drone assault on a merchant vessel near Veraval and another Indian merchant ship facing an attack in the Red Sea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. During the discussion, he conveyed his apprehensions about the situation in West Asia.

"I held a good conversation with my brother Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the future of Strategic Partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. We exchanged views on West Asia situation and shared concerns regarding terrorism, violence and the loss of civilian lives. We agreed to work together for peace, security and stability in the region," said PM Modi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drone-strike-hits-ship-off-indias-coast-says-report-672821">Also read |&nbsp;Missile strike hits merchant ship off India’s coast; crew includes 21 Indians</a>

<h2>Recent drone incidents</h2>

Just three days ago, an unmanned drone targeted the MV Chem Pluto, a merchant ship off the coast of Veraval.

This ship, carrying 21 Indian sailors and transporting oil from Saudi Arabia to Mangalore reported no casualties, but sustained damage.

Subsequently, another Indian vessel, the MV Sai Baba, faced an attack in the Red Sea a day later.

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After Israel, Indian PM Modi discusses red sea situation with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince. Backs freedom of navigation. Comes days after attack on 2 India bound vessels-MV Chem Pluto, MV Sai Baba. <a href="https://t.co/Inud0iCeg1">https://t.co/Inud0iCeg1</a>
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The Houthi rebels, who control a significant portion of Yemen, have claimed responsibility for these attacks.

Their actions are linked to a demand for Israel to cease its offensive in Gaza. The geopolitical ramifications extend beyond the Middle East, impacting global trade routes.

The narrow strait between Yemen and northeast Africa, a crucial passage for approximately 40 per cent&nbsp;of international trade, now faces disruptions due to these attacks.

The affected route leads to the Red Sea, Israel's southern ports, and the Suez Canal, causing a pause in the operations of numerous merchant ships.

Also watch |&nbsp;India: Indian Navy to commission INS Imphal in Mumbai; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to be present

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The heightened threat has led to a surge in shipping insurance costs, skyrocketing by tens of thousands of dollars per day.

Additionally, the instability has contributed to an increase in oil prices, highlighting the broader economic consequences of these targeted maritime incidents.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three days following an unmanned drone assault on a merchant vessel near Veraval and another Indian merchant ship facing an attack in the Red Sea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Three days following an unmanned drone assault on a merchant vessel near Veraval and another Indian merchant ship facing an attack in the Red Sea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. During the discussion, he conveyed his apprehensions about the situation in West Asia. "I held a good conversation with my brother Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the future of Strategic Partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. We exchanged views on West Asia situation and shared concerns regarding terrorism, violence and the loss of civilian lives. We agreed to work together for peace, security and stability in the region," said PM Modi. Also read | Missile strike hits merchant ship off India’s coast; crew includes 21 Indians Recent drone incidents Just three days ago, an unmanned drone targeted the MV Chem Pluto, a merchant ship off the coast of Veraval. This ship, carrying 21 Indian sailors and transporting oil from Saudi Arabia to Mangalore reported no casualties, but sustained damage. Subsequently, another Indian vessel, the MV Sai Baba, faced an attack in the Red Sea a day later. After Israel, Indian PM Modi discusses red sea situation with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince. Backs freedom of navigation. Comes days after attack on 2 India bound vessels-MV Chem Pluto, MV Sai Baba. https://t.co/Inud0iCeg1 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 26, 2023 × The Houthi rebels, who control a significant portion of Yemen, have claimed responsibility for these attacks. Their actions are linked to a demand for Israel to cease its offensive in Gaza. The geopolitical ramifications extend beyond the Middle East, impacting global trade routes. The narrow strait between Yemen and northeast Africa, a crucial passage for approximately 40 per cent of international trade, now faces disruptions due to these attacks. The affected route leads to the Red Sea, Israel's southern ports, and the Suez Canal, causing a pause in the operations of numerous merchant ships. Also watch | India: Indian Navy to commission INS Imphal in Mumbai; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to be present The heightened threat has led to a surge in shipping insurance costs, skyrocketing by tens of thousands of dollars per day. Additionally, the instability has contributed to an increase in oil prices, highlighting the broader economic consequences of these targeted maritime incidents. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince discuss West Asia situation in bilateral talks

Shipping giant Maersk resumes shipping in Red Sea. Maersk said, 'Red Sea risk not completely eliminated yet.' The US has accused Iran of aiding Houthi Pirates. More than 20 countries have joined the US-led coalition to protect Red Sea shipping from attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels; However Spain will not participate in coalition against Red Sea attacks.

Shipping Giant Maersk to resume shipping in Red Sea under U.S. protection

Shipping costs soar as war and climate risks upend global trade. The world's second-largest container line - AP Moller-Maersk - now sees red sea shipping chaos lasting for months. The suez canal crisis and the panama canal limitations are now sending cargo ships back to the 18th-century trade routes.

Maersk sees Red Sea shipping chaos lasting for months

The United States shot down four drones headed towards a U.S. destroyer in the southern Red Sea and launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Saturday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

US shoots down 4 drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas: Reports

The United States is preparing to ease some of the restrictions on arms sales to Saudi Arabia. This comes after the Gulf Kingdom is looking to finalize a peace accord with Yemen's Houthi Rebels.

US preparing to ease restrictions on weapons sale amid Saudi-Houthi peace talks

Home secretary said secret of a long marriage was sedating spouse on the same day a new policy on spiking was announced.

UK: James Cleverly apologises for ‘appalling’ date rape drug joke at No 10 event

The Israel-Hamas war will soon enter its third month, and there are fears that this ongoing conflict might spill over to the rest of the Middle East. The Iran-aligned Houthis of Yemen have been playing an escalating role in the war, attacking commercial ships at the southern end of the Red Sea, and also firing missiles at Israel.

The Israel-Hamas war will soon enter its third month, and there are fears that this ongoing conflict might spill over to the rest of the Middle East. The Iran-aligned Houthis of Yemen have been playing an escalating role in the war, attacking commercial ships at the southern end of the Red Sea, and also firing missiles at Israel. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday (Dec 20), the attacks have raised the spectre of another bout of disruption to international commerce which was previously seen during the Covid pandemic. A United States-led international force has been dispatched to patrol waters near Yemen. The attacks in the Red Sea have also threatened sea lanes through which much of the world's oil is shipped. Several shipping companies along with some liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers have decided to avoid the world's main East-West trade route following the attacks. The significance of the Red Sea The Red Sea is the only route to the Suez Canal, linking some of the world's biggest consumers of tradable goods in Europe with big suppliers in Asia, a report by The Straits Times on Saturday said. The report added that around 12 per cent of global trade passes through the canal and more than $1 trillion worth of goods per year. The attacks by Houthis have made reaching the Suez Canal more perilous. Reuters reported on Wednesday that 4-8 per cent of global LNG cargoes passed through the canal this year. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war Citing S&P Global Commodity Insights, the report said that in 2023, a total of 16.2 million metric tonnes (MMT), or 51% of LNG trade, has flowed from the Atlantic Basin east through the Suez Canal, while 15.7 MMT went through the canal from the Pacific Basin west. On the other hand, 8.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and oil products traversed the Red Sea over January-November, as per analytics firm Vortexa. The main shippers through the Red Sea route The Suez Canal is one of the most important arteries of the global oil trade. Vortexa's head of intelligence and analysis for MENA Jay Maroo told Reuters that the northbound traffic (through the Red Sea route) is dominated by European imports, primarily of crude oil from Middle East producers and also of middle distillates from India and the Middle East. The southbound traffic comprises crude flows, mainly from Russia to Asian customers, and also refined products naphtha and fuel oil, he added. Three countries - Qatar, the US, and Russia are the most active shippers of LNG via the canal. Who guards the Red Sea? Some commercial ships in the Red Sea have armed security who can open fire on approaching vessels if they look hostile. However, the region is also protected by the Combined Maritime Forces- a 39-nation partnership including the navies of the United States, India, Australia, France, the United Kingdom (UK), Saudi Arabia and Yemen. On Tuesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the creation of a multinational operation to safeguard commerce in the Red Sea. “The lifeblood of a rules-based international order is actually seawater. All countries have the right to move freely and lawfully in international waters, but that foundational global right is under new threat today from the totally unacceptable attacks on merchant vessels by the Houthis in Yemen,” Austin said. Also read: Red Sea crisis weighs on already disrupted global supply chains “So, this morning we’ve launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, under the umbrella of combined maritime forces and under the leadership of taskforce 153. That operation is bringing together more than a dozen countries from around the world to conduct joint patrols in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” he added. The Pentagon said on Thursday that more than 20 countries agreed to participate in the coalition. "We've had over 20 nations now sign on to participate. We'll allow other countries, defer to them to talk about their participation," Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Patrick Ryder said. Have prices been impacted following the attacks? Reuters reported on Wednesday that Asian spot LNG prices were at $12.3 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) and remained throughout this range since the attacks by Houthis (at the Red Sea) started. Prices have fallen in recent weeks mounting demand concerns and growing indications that the world will go into the next year in a supply surplus. Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM told the news agency that the recent rise in oil prices was understandable "but the rally will not last unless oil supply is materially affected." Oil freight prices have already been impacted. According to Vortexa, Rates for booking a Suezmax to transport crude from the Middle East to Europe went up 25 per cent in a week. A shipping source told Reuters that insurance war risk premiums went up from $2,000 to $10,000. Meanwhile, crude and oil products market players said the extent of the impact will be determined by the duration of shipping disruptions as a result of the Houthi attacks. LNG market players have said that the gas trade is likely to be largely unaffected and any disruption would not have a massive impact on global supply. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: How attacks on Red Sea by Houthis will affect oil and gas shipping?

The US has accused Iran of aiding Houthi Pirates. Iran was "deeply involved" in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and its intelligence was critical to enable Yemen's Houthi movement to target ships, the White House said on Friday.

US announces Naval 20-country coalition to defend Red Sea | Israel-Hamas War | World News | WION

US: Iran deeply involved in Red Sea attacks | Israel-Hamas War

The US and its allies have announced a 10 nation patrol force to counter attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. After several commercial vessels were attacked.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announces naval operation over Red Sea | World News | WION

Yemen's Houthi movement attacked two commercial ships in the Red Sea with naval drones on Monday, the Iran-backed group said, the latest in a surge of attacks over Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea identified the vessels as the MSC Clara and Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic, and said the attacks were carried out after their crews failed to respond to calls from the group.

The Swan Atlantic's owner said the ship had been struck by an unidentified object but none of the crew was hurt.

The MSC Clara is a Panama-flagged vessel, according to LSEG data. Details of the attack on the vessel were not immediately known.

The Houthis say they have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea with links to Israel in protest against its military offensive against Hamas in Gaza, and have warned against sailing towards the area.

The attacks have caused concerns about the impact on the passage of oil, grain and other goods on what is an important global trade route, and have pushed up the cost of insuring and shipping goods through the Red Sea.

Soon after the latest attacks, London's insurance market widened the area in the Red Sea it deems as high risk.

Taiwan's Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation said it would divert any of its ships sailing through the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden via the Cape of Good Hope for the next two weeks.

Norway-based oil tanker group Frontline said its vessels would also start avoiding passages through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

"War risk insurance premiums are on the rise naturally, but as vessels gets re-routed around Africa shipping supply will be tighter as cargoes travel longer. That would put rates under a strong upwards pressure," CEO Lars Barstad told Reuters.

The announcement followed decisions by two major freight firms including MSC, the world's biggest container shipping line, to&nbsp;avoid&nbsp;the Suez Canal in response to the attacks by Houthi forces, which control most of Yemen, a poor Arab state.

The Suez Canal shipping route, which leads to the Red Sea, is a vital waterway for global trade, used to transport energy and other goods between Europe and Asia, and elsewhere. The route saves on time and expense by avoiding having to navigate around the entire Africa continent.

<h2 data-testid="Heading">ONBOARD FIRE</h2>

Confirming Monday's attack on the Swan Atlantic, US&nbsp;officials told Reuters multiple projectiles had been launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen.

All the ship's system were operating normally although the water tank had been damaged in the attack, said Oystein Elgan, chief executive of owner Inventor Chemical Tankers.

Inventor Chemical Tankers had no Israeli ties, Elgan said.

The vessel's operator, Uni-Tankers, said the attack had caused a small fire which the crew brought under control, and that the ship, carrying vegetable oils, continued to Reunion Island.

A British maritime authority said it had received a report of a vessel that "experienced an explosion" on its port side in an attack 24 nautical miles north west of Yemen's Mokha port.

The vessel and crew were reported safe, it said in an advisory. The incident described by the UKMTO advisory was similar to those of the attack on the Swan Atlantic.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) authority said in a separate advisory it had received a report of a vessel 24 nautical miles southeast of Mokha as being approached by a craft with several armed personnel onboard.

Warning shots were fired from the vessel and the craft with the armed personnel on board changed course, the advisory said.

The UKMTO authority said in other advisories it had received reports of an incident 63 nautical miles northwest of Djibouti and another incident in the vicinity of the Bab Al Mandab strait, 30 nautical miles south of the port Mokha.

The Houthis have pledged to continue their attacks until Israel stops its assault, but said on Saturday that real steps to ease the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip would contribute to "reducing the escalation". They also said that they were in&nbsp;Oman-mediated talks&nbsp;about its sea "operations".

That was the first indication that the militia group may be willing to de-escalate. The US&nbsp;has said it is seeking an expanded&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;to protect ships in the Red Sea and to send a signal to the Houthis, who have also fired drones and missiles at Israel since it began its campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7.

Norway's Shipowners' Association said it expected Norwegian and international authorities to come together as soon as possible to secure safe passage for civilian vessels.

Norway's foreign ministry said Oslo was evaluating whether to participate in the proposed US-led maritime coalition.

Yemen's Houthi movement attacked two commercial ships in the Red Sea with naval drones on Monday, the Iran-backed group said, the latest in a surge of attacks over Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Yemen's Houthi movement attacked two commercial ships in the Red Sea with naval drones on Monday, the Iran-backed group said, the latest in a surge of attacks over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea identified the vessels as the MSC Clara and Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic, and said the attacks were carried out after their crews failed to respond to calls from the group. The Swan Atlantic's owner said the ship had been struck by an unidentified object but none of the crew was hurt. The MSC Clara is a Panama-flagged vessel, according to LSEG data. Details of the attack on the vessel were not immediately known. The Houthis say they have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea with links to Israel in protest against its military offensive against Hamas in Gaza, and have warned against sailing towards the area. The attacks have caused concerns about the impact on the passage of oil, grain and other goods on what is an important global trade route, and have pushed up the cost of insuring and shipping goods through the Red Sea. Soon after the latest attacks, London's insurance market widened the area in the Red Sea it deems as high risk. Taiwan's Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation said it would divert any of its ships sailing through the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden via the Cape of Good Hope for the next two weeks. Norway-based oil tanker group Frontline said its vessels would also start avoiding passages through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. "War risk insurance premiums are on the rise naturally, but as vessels gets re-routed around Africa shipping supply will be tighter as cargoes travel longer. That would put rates under a strong upwards pressure," CEO Lars Barstad told Reuters. The announcement followed decisions by two major freight firms including MSC, the world's biggest container shipping line, to avoid the Suez Canal in response to the attacks by Houthi forces, which control most of Yemen, a poor Arab state. The Suez Canal shipping route, which leads to the Red Sea, is a vital waterway for global trade, used to transport energy and other goods between Europe and Asia, and elsewhere. The route saves on time and expense by avoiding having to navigate around the entire Africa continent. ONBOARD FIRE Confirming Monday's attack on the Swan Atlantic, US officials told Reuters multiple projectiles had been launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. All the ship's system were operating normally although the water tank had been damaged in the attack, said Oystein Elgan, chief executive of owner Inventor Chemical Tankers. Inventor Chemical Tankers had no Israeli ties, Elgan said. The vessel's operator, Uni-Tankers, said the attack had caused a small fire which the crew brought under control, and that the ship, carrying vegetable oils, continued to Reunion Island. A British maritime authority said it had received a report of a vessel that "experienced an explosion" on its port side in an attack 24 nautical miles north west of Yemen's Mokha port. The vessel and crew were reported safe, it said in an advisory. The incident described by the UKMTO advisory was similar to those of the attack on the Swan Atlantic. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) authority said in a separate advisory it had received a report of a vessel 24 nautical miles southeast of Mokha as being approached by a craft with several armed personnel onboard. Warning shots were fired from the vessel and the craft with the armed personnel on board changed course, the advisory said. The UKMTO authority said in other advisories it had received reports of an incident 63 nautical miles northwest of Djibouti and another incident in the vicinity of the Bab Al Mandab strait, 30 nautical miles south of the port Mokha. The Houthis have pledged to continue their attacks until Israel stops its assault, but said on Saturday that real steps to ease the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip would contribute to "reducing the escalation". They also said that they were in Oman-mediated talks about its sea "operations". That was the first indication that the militia group may be willing to de-escalate. The US has said it is seeking an expanded coalition to protect ships in the Red Sea and to send a signal to the Houthis, who have also fired drones and missiles at Israel since it began its campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7. Norway's Shipowners' Association said it expected Norwegian and international authorities to come together as soon as possible to secure safe passage for civilian vessels. Norway's foreign ministry said Oslo was evaluating whether to participate in the proposed US-led maritime coalition.

Vessel attacked in Red Sea off Yemen coast, US blames Houthis

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement has engaged in Oman-mediated talks with international parties about its operations in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. This is according to a Houthi spokesperson. This follows a series of attacks on ships by the militia group.

Houthi Red Sea attack: Houthi's willing to de-escalate activity in Red Sea

Maersk, which is one of the world's largest shipping companies, has said that it is suspending shipping through Red Sea strait following attacks by&nbsp;Yemeni rebels&nbsp;on merchant ships.

"Following the near-miss incident involving Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and yet another attack on a container vessel today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice," the company said in a statement as per AFP.

Reuters quoted a Maersk spokesperson saying that the company will ask the ships to take a detour around Africa.&nbsp;

"Following the near-miss incident involving Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and yet another attack on a container vessel today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice," the company said as reported by Reuters.

Watch | Israel-Hamas tops list of Google searches in 2023

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On Thursday, Maersk said that Maersk Gibraltar, one of its ships was targeted by a missile when it was travelling from Salalah, Oman, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The company said that the crew and vessel were safe.

Earlier on Friday, Maersk denied claim from Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels that they had struck a ship that was sailing towards Israel.

The Houthis&nbsp;claimed without presenting evidence that they had attacked the container vessel with a drone.

"The recent attacks on commercial vessels in the area are alarming and pose a significant threat to the safety and security of seafarers," read the&nbsp;statement by&nbsp;Maersk

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-troops-mistakenly-shot-dead-three-israeli-hostages-says-army-670143">Israel troops 'mistakenly' shot dead three Israeli hostages, says army</a>

Maersk's concerns were echoed by&nbsp;German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock who said earlier on Friday that the attcaks by Houthi rebels were not only threatening Israel but were also a threat to international shipping.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/45pc-of-israeli-air-to-ground-munitions-in-gaza-are-dumb-bombs-reveals-report-669941">45 pc of Israeli air-to-ground munitions in Gaza are 'dumb bombs', reveals report</a>

"These attacks endanger not only Israel's security -- these attacks threaten international maritime shipping and the freedom of trade routes," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said at a press conference in Berlin. Visiting Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib was al present at the media briefing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Maersk, which is one of the world's largest shipping companies, has said that it is suspending shipping through Red Sea strait following attacks by Yemeni rebels on merchant ships.

Maersk, which is one of the world's largest shipping companies, has said that it is suspending shipping through Red Sea strait following attacks by Yemeni rebels on merchant ships. "Following the near-miss incident involving Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and yet another attack on a container vessel today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice," the company said in a statement as per AFP. Reuters quoted a Maersk spokesperson saying that the company will ask the ships to take a detour around Africa. "Following the near-miss incident involving Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and yet another attack on a container vessel today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice," the company said as reported by Reuters. Watch | Israel-Hamas tops list of Google searches in 2023 × On Thursday, Maersk said that Maersk Gibraltar, one of its ships was targeted by a missile when it was travelling from Salalah, Oman, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The company said that the crew and vessel were safe. Earlier on Friday, Maersk denied claim from Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels that they had struck a ship that was sailing towards Israel. The Houthis claimed without presenting evidence that they had attacked the container vessel with a drone. "The recent attacks on commercial vessels in the area are alarming and pose a significant threat to the safety and security of seafarers," read the statement by Maersk Also Read | Israel troops 'mistakenly' shot dead three Israeli hostages, says army Maersk's concerns were echoed by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock who said earlier on Friday that the attcaks by Houthi rebels were not only threatening Israel but were also a threat to international shipping. Also Read | 45 pc of Israeli air-to-ground munitions in Gaza are 'dumb bombs', reveals report "These attacks endanger not only Israel's security -- these attacks threaten international maritime shipping and the freedom of trade routes," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said at a press conference in Berlin. Visiting Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib was al present at the media briefing. (With inputs from agencies)

Maersk suspends shipping through Red Sea strait after attacks from Houthi rebels, opts for long detour

The Iran-backed Houthis have targeted another cargo ship in the Red Sea. The incident comes after a series of attacks by the group. Have they officially joined Hamas? Hem Saroya reports.

Gravitas | Houthis target cargo ship in the Red Sea

Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a commercial tanker carrying Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, on Wednesday (Dec 13), reported the Associated Press citing an American official. The vessel was also attacked by a speedboat with armed men off the coast of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah, said the British maritime security company.

The attack comes a day after a senior official from the Iran-backed group warned cargo ships in the Red Sea to avoid travelling toward Israel and claimed the attack on a Norwegian commercial tanker.&nbsp;

<h2>Missiles fired from rebel-held Yemen</h2>

A report by the AP citing an anonymous United States official said that an American warship in the region shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident.&nbsp;

The incident which involved a tanker, Ardmore Encounter, marks an escalation by the Houthis who have repeatedly attacked ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel forces deploy 'Sa'ar 6' to counter Houthis as their attacks rise in Red Sea

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The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was travelling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, reported AP citing satellite tracking data, adding that the vessel had left from the Indian city of Mangalore and had an armed security crew aboard it.

The guards apparently opened fire at the armed men on speedboats trying to board the vessel, said Ambrey, a British maritime security company.&nbsp;

Earlier, on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said it had received reports of an incident in the vicinity of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, without giving more details.

Ambrey said a Marshall Islands-flagged chemical tanker reported an “exchange of fire” with a speedboat around 102 kilometres off Hodeidah, adding that the boat approached the tanker and initiated the gunfire at a distance of 300 metres.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-ship-cruise-missile-from-houthi-controlled-yemen-strikes-tanker-causes-fire-us-military-668788">Anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi-controlled Yemen strikes tanker, causes fire: US military</a>

The British private intelligence firm also said that the tanker was hailed by an entity claiming to be the Yemeni Navy – both Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi rebels self-identify as the Yemeni Navy – which asked the vessel to alter course but a “coalition” warship advised the ship to maintain it, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear which coalition Ambrey was referring to.&nbsp;

<h2>Shipping company confirms attack</h2>

Ardmore Shipping Corp, which owns and operates the ship, issued a statement to the AP acknowledging the attack and said that no one was injured and “all crew members are safe and accounted for,” adding that the vessel was also “fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board.”

“Ardmore is in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance is now in the area providing support as required,” said the shipping company.&nbsp;

The ship, carrying jet fuel from Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels &amp; Services Ltd and India’s national oil company was reportedly headed to either Rotterdam, Netherlands or Gavle, Sweden. &nbsp;

<h2>Houthis issue another warning&nbsp;</h2>

The recent incident came after an anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen, struck a Norwegian-flagged tanker STRINDA and caused a fire, according to the United States military.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-they-attacked-israeli-ships-in-red-sea-665844">Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea</a>

The Iran-backed group had issued a warning on Saturday (Dec 9) that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports.&nbsp;

Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, head of Yemen’s Houthi supreme revolutionary committee took to X, on Tuesday (Dec 12) and reiterated the warning and asked ships that pass Yemen to keep radios turned on, and quickly respond to Houthi attempts at communication.&nbsp;

Al-Houthi also warned cargo ships against “falsifying their identity” or raising flags different from the country belonging to the cargo ship owner.

(With inputs from agencies)

Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a commercial tanker carrying Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, on Wednesday (Dec 13), reported the Associated Press citing an American official.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a commercial tanker carrying Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, on Wednesday (Dec 13), reported the Associated Press citing an American official. The vessel was also attacked by a speedboat with armed men off the coast of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah, said the British maritime security company. The attack comes a day after a senior official from the Iran-backed group warned cargo ships in the Red Sea to avoid travelling toward Israel and claimed the attack on a Norwegian commercial tanker. Missiles fired from rebel-held Yemen A report by the AP citing an anonymous United States official said that an American warship in the region shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident. The incident which involved a tanker, Ardmore Encounter, marks an escalation by the Houthis who have repeatedly attacked ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. WATCH | Israel forces deploy 'Sa'ar 6' to counter Houthis as their attacks rise in Red Sea The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was travelling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, reported AP citing satellite tracking data, adding that the vessel had left from the Indian city of Mangalore and had an armed security crew aboard it. The guards apparently opened fire at the armed men on speedboats trying to board the vessel, said Ambrey, a British maritime security company. Earlier, on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said it had received reports of an incident in the vicinity of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, without giving more details. Ambrey said a Marshall Islands-flagged chemical tanker reported an “exchange of fire” with a speedboat around 102 kilometres off Hodeidah, adding that the boat approached the tanker and initiated the gunfire at a distance of 300 metres. ALSO READ | Anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi-controlled Yemen strikes tanker, causes fire: US military The British private intelligence firm also said that the tanker was hailed by an entity claiming to be the Yemeni Navy – both Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi rebels self-identify as the Yemeni Navy – which asked the vessel to alter course but a “coalition” warship advised the ship to maintain it, reported Reuters. It was not immediately clear which coalition Ambrey was referring to. Shipping company confirms attack Ardmore Shipping Corp, which owns and operates the ship, issued a statement to the AP acknowledging the attack and said that no one was injured and “all crew members are safe and accounted for,” adding that the vessel was also “fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board.” “Ardmore is in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance is now in the area providing support as required,” said the shipping company. The ship, carrying jet fuel from Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels & Services Ltd and India’s national oil company was reportedly headed to either Rotterdam, Netherlands or Gavle, Sweden. Houthis issue another warning The recent incident came after an anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen, struck a Norwegian-flagged tanker STRINDA and caused a fire, according to the United States military. ALSO READ | Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea The Iran-backed group had issued a warning on Saturday (Dec 9) that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports. Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, head of Yemen’s Houthi supreme revolutionary committee took to X, on Tuesday (Dec 12) and reiterated the warning and asked ships that pass Yemen to keep radios turned on, and quickly respond to Houthi attempts at communication. Al-Houthi also warned cargo ships against “falsifying their identity” or raising flags different from the country belonging to the cargo ship owner. (With inputs from agencies)

Tanker carrying jet fuel from India hit by missiles from Houthi-controlled Yemen, gunmen on speedboats

An anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen struck a commercial tanker vessel and caused a fire, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). This comes days after the Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened to target any ships near Israel, which is engaged in a war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

The US military reported that there was damage but no casualties due to the incident which took place&nbsp;on Monday (Dec 11).

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The attack on what is reported to be a Norwegian-flagged tanker STRINDA took place around 111 kilometres north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden around 2100 GMT, a US official told Reuters.&nbsp;

A second US official told the news agency that the ship was able to move under its own power in the hours after the attack. “The STRINDA reported damage causing a fire on-board, but no casualties at this time,” said the CENTCOM, which oversees American forces in the Middle East.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shoots-down-drones-assists-multiple-commercial-vessels-attacked-in-red-sea-by-yemens-houthis-665938">US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis</a>

“There were no US ships in the vicinity at the time of the attack, but the USS MASON responded to the M/T STRINDA's mayday call and is currently rendering assistance,” it said in a statement.&nbsp;

The STRINDA is a Norway-flagged chemical tanker and is owned by Mowinckel Chemical Tankers, according to Reuters. The report citing data from ship tracking firm Kpler said that the STRINDA had loaded vegetable oil and biofuels in Malaysia and was headed for Venice, Italy.&nbsp;

<h2>UK flags unusual activity near Yemen</h2>

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said that it received reports of an entity declaring itself to be the Yemeni navy ordering a vessel to alter course to an unspecified Yemeni port, on Tuesday (Dec 12).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-concerned-over-reports-of-israel-using-white-phosphorus-in-lebanon-attack-668699">White House 'concerned' over reports that Israel used white phosphorus in Lebanon</a>

Notably, ships of both Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi rebels self-identify as Yemeni navy. According to monitoring service TankerTrackers.com, the suspected vessel was a “northbound cargo-laden oil tanker”.

<h2>Houthis claim responsibility for attack</h2>

The recent incident involving the Norwegian tanker comes after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, on Saturday (Dec 9) said that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports.&nbsp;

The threat was issued amid Israel’s ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis which control much of Yemen, says its attacks are a show of support for the Palestinians.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-they-attacked-israeli-ships-in-red-sea-665844">Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea</a>

The&nbsp;Iran-backed group later claimed responsibility for the attack calling it a "qualitative military operation" against a tanker which was carrying oil to Israel.&nbsp;

"The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a qualitative military operation against the Norwegian ship Strinda, which was loaded with oil" bound for Israel, said the&nbsp;military spokesman Yahya Saree, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of December, several commercial vessels have come under attack in international waters prompting the US Navy destroyers stationed in the region to intervene.&nbsp;

On Sunday (Dec 3), the US military said that the Carney, an American destroyer, responded to distress calls and provided assistance after missile and drone attacks on three separate commercial vessels operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen struck a commercial tanker vessel and caused a fire, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

An anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen struck a commercial tanker vessel and caused a fire, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). This comes days after the Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened to target any ships near Israel, which is engaged in a war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. The US military reported that there was damage but no casualties due to the incident which took place on Monday (Dec 11). What happened? The attack on what is reported to be a Norwegian-flagged tanker STRINDA took place around 111 kilometres north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden around 2100 GMT, a US official told Reuters. A second US official told the news agency that the ship was able to move under its own power in the hours after the attack. “The STRINDA reported damage causing a fire on-board, but no casualties at this time,” said the CENTCOM, which oversees American forces in the Middle East. ALSO READ | US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis “There were no US ships in the vicinity at the time of the attack, but the USS MASON responded to the M/T STRINDA's mayday call and is currently rendering assistance,” it said in a statement. The STRINDA is a Norway-flagged chemical tanker and is owned by Mowinckel Chemical Tankers, according to Reuters. The report citing data from ship tracking firm Kpler said that the STRINDA had loaded vegetable oil and biofuels in Malaysia and was headed for Venice, Italy. UK flags unusual activity near Yemen The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said that it received reports of an entity declaring itself to be the Yemeni navy ordering a vessel to alter course to an unspecified Yemeni port, on Tuesday (Dec 12). ALSO READ | White House 'concerned' over reports that Israel used white phosphorus in Lebanon Notably, ships of both Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi rebels self-identify as Yemeni navy. According to monitoring service TankerTrackers.com, the suspected vessel was a “northbound cargo-laden oil tanker”. Houthis claim responsibility for attack The recent incident involving the Norwegian tanker comes after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, on Saturday (Dec 9) said that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports. The threat was issued amid Israel’s ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis which control much of Yemen, says its attacks are a show of support for the Palestinians. ALSO READ | Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea The Iran-backed group later claimed responsibility for the attack calling it a "qualitative military operation" against a tanker which was carrying oil to Israel. "The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a qualitative military operation against the Norwegian ship Strinda, which was loaded with oil" bound for Israel, said the military spokesman Yahya Saree, as quoted by news agency AFP. Since the beginning of December, several commercial vessels have come under attack in international waters prompting the US Navy destroyers stationed in the region to intervene. On Sunday (Dec 3), the US military said that the Carney, an American destroyer, responded to distress calls and provided assistance after missile and drone attacks on three separate commercial vessels operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi-controlled Yemen strikes tanker, causes fire: US military

The Delhi High Court has sought the central government's stand on whether the mother of Nimisha Priya, a Malayali nurse who has been sentenced to death in Yemen, can travel to the war-ravaged country to secure her daughter's freedom by paying blood money or 'diyah'.

The Delhi High Court has sought the central government's stand on whether the mother of Nimisha Priya, a Malayali nurse who has been sentenced to death in Yemen, can travel to the war-ravaged country to secure her daughter's freedom by paying blood money or 'diyah'. Justice Subramonium Prasad presiding over the case granted time till December 11 to the government to come up with a response. Meanwhile, the counsel appearing for Priya's mother Prema Kumari has been asked to file an affidavit carrying proper details about the persons who will be willing to accompany her to Yemen to negotiate the deal. The 34-year-old nurse from Kerala is facing a death sentence after she was convicted of murdering Talal Abdo Mahidi in July 2017, when she allegedly injected him with sedatives to get hold of her passport from him. As Yemen follows Sharia law, Priya can secure a pardon from the victim's family by paying diyah. Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan and UAE also have 'diyah' as part of their modern-day legal system. Watch | Gravitas: India nurse's appeal against death penalty dismissed by Yemen court × No India-Yemen diplomatic ties The Indian government, however, doesn't seem too interested in the demand put forth by Priya's mother. The counsel said India does not have any diplomatic ties with Yemen and sending the mother may lead to a dangerous situation where even her safety is compromised. “Today they want to go there to negotiate blood money. We don’t want to get it converted into a ransom demand situation. There is no Indian presence there. The Embassy there is closed except one or two clerical local persons who are there just to collect letters and send them to where our Embassy is,” the Indian government counsel was quoted as saying by LiveLaw. Yemeni capital Sana'a is controlled by the Houthi rebels who have been locked in a civil war with the official government, based in-exile in Saudi Arabia. New Delhi does not recognise the Houthis so a trip for any Indian citizen looks highly unlikely. However, that hasn't deterred Priya's mother who says she will do everything in her ability to get her daughter free. "I will go to Yemen and seek their forgiveness. I will apologise to them, I'll tell them, take my life but please spare my daughter. Nimisha has a young daughter who needs her mother," Kumari, who lives in the southern Indian city of Kochi, told BBC. Nimisha was barely 19 when she left for Yemen to work as a nurse in a government-run hospital. She returned to India in 2011 and married Tomy Thomas with whom she has a daughter. (With inputs from agencies)

Mother of Indian nurse on death row in Yemen seeks to pay 'blood money'; Delhi HC turns to centre

Yemen's Houthis have hijacked an India-bound ship at Red Sea. The ship neither had an Israeli flag, nor was it registered in Israel, so how did the Houthis know the ship is owned by a company with Israeli links? Who supplied Houthis with the intelligence?

Houthi commander visits seized cargo ship, rebels say 'we'll target Israeli ships in the Red Sea'

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Monday (Nov 20) released a chilling video of the hijacking of the cargo ship 'Galaxy Leader'.

The footage, which showed armed men landing on a ship's deck from a helicopter in the southern Red Sea and seizing it, was released by the movement's TV channel Al Masirah a day after the Iran-backed group seized the ship.

The vessel's owner, as per news agency Reuters, on Monday (Nov 20) said that the cargo ship was "illegally boarded by military personnel via a helicopter" on Sunday, Nov 19 and was at present in the Hodeidah port area in Yemen.

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Footage of Houthi forces hijacking the ship Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/PSFLpV4FLA">pic.twitter.com/PSFLpV4FLA</a>
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1726641686309400988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"All communications were subsequently lost with the vessel," the Isle of Man registered Galaxy Maritime Ltd, owner of the pure car carrier Galaxy Leader, said in a statement.

"The company, as a shipping concern, will not be commenting further on the political or geopolitical situation."

The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader's crew comprises nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania, Galaxy Maritime said. The vessel is chartered by Japan's Nippon Yusen.

"Owners and managers believe the seizure of this vessel represents a gross violation of freedom of passage for the world fleet and a serious threat to international trade," Galaxy Maritime said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-books-khalistani-terrorist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-over-threats-to-air-india-passengers-660827">NIA books Khalistani terrorist Pannun over threats to Air India passengers</a>

It added that the "key concern at this time is the safety and security of the 25 crew members currently being held by the perpetrators of this criminal act".

Earlier, Houthis had threatened to target Israeli ships in the Red Sea. Leader Abdul-Malik al-Huthi said that Houthis were monitoring for Israeli vessels in the commercially vital waters, even those that do not have Israeli flags.

"Our eyes are open to constant monitoring and searching for any Israeli ship," he said in a speech broadcast by the rebels' Al-Masirah TV station.&nbsp;

"The enemy relies on camouflage in its movement in the Red Sea, especially in Bab al-Mandab (strait), and did not dare to raise Israeli flags on its ships... and turned off identification devices," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-to-launch-satellite-rocket-between-nov-22-and-dec-1-says-japan-660914">North Korea to launch satellite rocket between Nov 22 and Dec 1, says Japan</a>

<h2>Netanyahu's office condemns hijacking</h2>

Sharing a post on X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office condemned the hijacking of the ship. "This is another act of Iranian terrorism and constitutes a leap forward in Iran's aggression against the citizens of the free world, with international consequences regarding the security of global shipping lanes."

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This is another act of Iranian terrorism and constitutes a leap forward in Iran's aggression against the citizens of the free world, with international consequences regarding the security of the global shipping lanes.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1726248923231391862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The office also said that onboard the vessel were crews of various nationalities, including Ukrainian, Mexican and Filipino.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Monday (Nov 20) released a chilling video of the hijacking of the cargo ship 'Galaxy Leader'. The footage, which showed armed men landing on a ship's deck from a helicopter in the southern Red Sea and seizing it, was released by the movement's TV channel Al Masirah a day after the Iran-backed group seized the ship.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Monday (Nov 20) released a chilling video of the hijacking of the cargo ship 'Galaxy Leader'. The footage, which showed armed men landing on a ship's deck from a helicopter in the southern Red Sea and seizing it, was released by the movement's TV channel Al Masirah a day after the Iran-backed group seized the ship. The vessel's owner, as per news agency Reuters, on Monday (Nov 20) said that the cargo ship was "illegally boarded by military personnel via a helicopter" on Sunday, Nov 19 and was at present in the Hodeidah port area in Yemen. Footage of Houthi forces hijacking the ship Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea yesterday. pic.twitter.com/PSFLpV4FLA — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) November 20, 2023 × "All communications were subsequently lost with the vessel," the Isle of Man registered Galaxy Maritime Ltd, owner of the pure car carrier Galaxy Leader, said in a statement. "The company, as a shipping concern, will not be commenting further on the political or geopolitical situation." The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader's crew comprises nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania, Galaxy Maritime said. The vessel is chartered by Japan's Nippon Yusen. "Owners and managers believe the seizure of this vessel represents a gross violation of freedom of passage for the world fleet and a serious threat to international trade," Galaxy Maritime said. Also read: NIA books Khalistani terrorist Pannun over threats to Air India passengers It added that the "key concern at this time is the safety and security of the 25 crew members currently being held by the perpetrators of this criminal act". Earlier, Houthis had threatened to target Israeli ships in the Red Sea. Leader Abdul-Malik al-Huthi said that Houthis were monitoring for Israeli vessels in the commercially vital waters, even those that do not have Israeli flags. "Our eyes are open to constant monitoring and searching for any Israeli ship," he said in a speech broadcast by the rebels' Al-Masirah TV station. "The enemy relies on camouflage in its movement in the Red Sea, especially in Bab al-Mandab (strait), and did not dare to raise Israeli flags on its ships... and turned off identification devices," he added. Also read: North Korea to launch satellite rocket between Nov 22 and Dec 1, says Japan Netanyahu's office condemns hijacking Sharing a post on X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office condemned the hijacking of the ship. "This is another act of Iranian terrorism and constitutes a leap forward in Iran's aggression against the citizens of the free world, with international consequences regarding the security of global shipping lanes." This is another act of Iranian terrorism and constitutes a leap forward in Iran's aggression against the citizens of the free world, with international consequences regarding the security of the global shipping lanes. — Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 19, 2023 × The office also said that onboard the vessel were crews of various nationalities, including Ukrainian, Mexican and Filipino. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Houthi rebels release video of hijacking of 'Galaxy Leader' cargo ship

For the first time, Israel used its Arrow 3 "missile-killer ", which is part of its ‘Star Wars’ missile killer system, while downing a rocket allegedly fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The confirmation came from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Monday (Oct 31), saying that the missile was used to “thwart an aerial threat in the area of the Red Sea.”

The IDF added that the “surface-to-surface missile" was fired toward Israel but was intercepted before it could reach its target.

The lethal long-range air defence system is able to intercept ballistic missiles from thousands of miles away and blast them out of the sky.

“All the threats were intercepted outside the territory of the State of Israel. No intrusion into Israeli territory was detected,” the IDF added.

Following Israel's announcement, the Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the aerial assault and claimed to have fired "a large number" of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel on Monday.

In a video statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed it was the third attack they had launched at Israel and vowed there would be more to come.

<h2>What is Arrow 3 'missile-killer'?</h2>

It is a lethal long-range air defence system which has the capacity to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes of over 100 km (62 miles), and in greater ranges.

Arrow 3 is part of Israel’s Arrow weapon system (AWS), a stand-alone anti-tactical ballistic missile defence system.

It is a key part of the country’s multi-layered defence missile array, which also includes the Arrow 2, David’s Sling, and the Iron Dome active defence systems, and was inducted into the Israeli Air Force in 2017.

The missile was jointly developed Israel Aerospace Industries and Missile Defence Agency in the US.

After IDF confirmed its usage, the Israel Aerospace Industries praised the IDF for the successful interception.

<h2>Israel-Hamas war: Israel bombs Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-israel-bombs-jabalia-refugee-camp-in-gaza-653991/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“The Arrow is an advanced air defence system created and designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside of the Earth’s atmosphere,” IAI said.

“The Arrow system […] demonstrated today that Israel possesses the most advanced technology for defence against ballistic missiles at various ranges,” CEO and President of the IAI, Boaz Levy, said.

<h2>Capacities of the missile system&nbsp;</h2>

This powerful state-of-the-art piece system detects, tracks and then fires a hit-to-kill warhead to intercept the incoming missile.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/felt-like-end-of-world-survivors-share-tragic-story-as-israeli-strikes-rock-gaza-refugee-camp-653958">Survivors share tragic story as Israeli strikes rock Gaza refugee camp</a>

It can cleanly blast the incoming warheads out of the sky, therefore preventing damage to buildings and civilians.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-anti-israel-protesters-jailed-over-anti-israel-riot-at-russian-airport-653986">15 anti-Israel protesters jailed over riot at Russian airport</a>

The missile system earned the "Star Wars" moniker due to its capability to safely destroy incoming missiles outside Earth’s atmosphere.

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time, Israel used its Arrow 3 "missile-killer ", which is part of its ‘Star Wars’ missile killer system, while downing a rocket allegedly fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

For the first time, Israel used its Arrow 3 "missile-killer ", which is part of its ‘Star Wars’ missile killer system, while downing a rocket allegedly fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The confirmation came from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Monday (Oct 31), saying that the missile was used to “thwart an aerial threat in the area of the Red Sea.” The IDF added that the “surface-to-surface missile" was fired toward Israel but was intercepted before it could reach its target. The lethal long-range air defence system is able to intercept ballistic missiles from thousands of miles away and blast them out of the sky. “All the threats were intercepted outside the territory of the State of Israel. No intrusion into Israeli territory was detected,” the IDF added. Following Israel's announcement, the Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the aerial assault and claimed to have fired "a large number" of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel on Monday. In a video statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed it was the third attack they had launched at Israel and vowed there would be more to come. What is Arrow 3 'missile-killer'? It is a lethal long-range air defence system which has the capacity to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes of over 100 km (62 miles), and in greater ranges. Arrow 3 is part of Israel’s Arrow weapon system (AWS), a stand-alone anti-tactical ballistic missile defence system. It is a key part of the country’s multi-layered defence missile array, which also includes the Arrow 2, David’s Sling, and the Iron Dome active defence systems, and was inducted into the Israeli Air Force in 2017. The missile was jointly developed Israel Aerospace Industries and Missile Defence Agency in the US. After IDF confirmed its usage, the Israel Aerospace Industries praised the IDF for the successful interception. Israel-Hamas war: Israel bombs Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza “The Arrow is an advanced air defence system created and designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside of the Earth’s atmosphere,” IAI said. “The Arrow system […] demonstrated today that Israel possesses the most advanced technology for defence against ballistic missiles at various ranges,” CEO and President of the IAI, Boaz Levy, said. Capacities of the missile system This powerful state-of-the-art piece system detects, tracks and then fires a hit-to-kill warhead to intercept the incoming missile. Also read | Survivors share tragic story as Israeli strikes rock Gaza refugee camp It can cleanly blast the incoming warheads out of the sky, therefore preventing damage to buildings and civilians. Also read | 15 anti-Israel protesters jailed over riot at Russian airport The missile system earned the "Star Wars" moniker due to its capability to safely destroy incoming missiles outside Earth’s atmosphere. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel shows its air prowess, uses Arrow 3 ‘missile-killer’ for first time to intercept Houthi rockets

As they continue ceasefire talks with Riyadh, the Houthi movement in Yemen sent a message to their enemies in a coalition led by Saudi Arabia on Thursday by showcasing armed drones and ballistic missiles in a major military parade in Sanaa.

Yemen Houthis flex military muscle in parade as Riyadh seeks ceasefire

Saudi Arabia welcomed positive results from discussions to reach a road map supporting the peace process in Yemen, the kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after Houthi negotiators’ talks with the Saudis in Riyadh.

Houthi envoys left Riyadh on Tuesday after a five-day round of talks with Saudi officials on ending the eight-year-old conflict in Yemen, sources familiar with the meeting and Houthi media said.

The kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue among all warring parties in Yemen, the Saudi defence minister said on Wednesday after meeting with the Houthi delegation.

“I emphasised the Kingdom’s support for Yemen and reaffirmed our commitment to promoting dialogue among all parties to reach a comprehensive political solution under UN supervision,” Prince Khalid bin Salman said in a post on messaging platform X.

Houthi envoys left Riyadh on Tuesday after a five-day round of talks with Saudi officials on a potential agreement paving the way to put an end to the eight-year-old conflict in Yemen, sources familiar with the meeting and Houthi media said.

Some progress has been made on the main sticking points, including a timeline for foreign troops exiting Yemen and a mechanism for paying public wages, two sources said, adding the sides would meet for more talks after consultations “soon.”

The Houthi delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia last week. It was the first such official visit to the kingdom since the war broke out in Yemen in 2014 after the Iran-aligned group ousted a Saudi-backed government there.

The talks are focused on a full reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and Sanaa airport, payment of wages for public servants, rebuilding efforts, and a timeline for foreign forces to quit Yemen. An agreement would allow the United Nations to restart a broader political peace process.

The Houthis have been fighting against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015 in a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands and left 80% of Yemen’s population dependent on humanitarian aid.

The United States has put pressure on its ally Saudi Arabia to end the war and linked some U.S. military support to the kingdom to ending its involvement in Yemen.

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Saudi Arabia welcomed positive results from discussions to reach a road map supporting the peace process in Yemen, the kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after Houthi negotiators’ talks with the Saudis in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia welcomed positive results from discussions to reach a road map supporting the peace process in Yemen, the kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after Houthi negotiators’ talks with the Saudis in Riyadh. Houthi envoys left Riyadh on Tuesday after a five-day round of talks with Saudi officials on ending the eight-year-old conflict in Yemen, sources familiar with the meeting and Houthi media said. The kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue among all warring parties in Yemen, the Saudi defence minister said on Wednesday after meeting with the Houthi delegation. “I emphasised the Kingdom’s support for Yemen and reaffirmed our commitment to promoting dialogue among all parties to reach a comprehensive political solution under UN supervision,” Prince Khalid bin Salman said in a post on messaging platform X. Houthi envoys left Riyadh on Tuesday after a five-day round of talks with Saudi officials on a potential agreement paving the way to put an end to the eight-year-old conflict in Yemen, sources familiar with the meeting and Houthi media said. Some progress has been made on the main sticking points, including a timeline for foreign troops exiting Yemen and a mechanism for paying public wages, two sources said, adding the sides would meet for more talks after consultations “soon.” The Houthi delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia last week. It was the first such official visit to the kingdom since the war broke out in Yemen in 2014 after the Iran-aligned group ousted a Saudi-backed government there. The talks are focused on a full reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and Sanaa airport, payment of wages for public servants, rebuilding efforts, and a timeline for foreign forces to quit Yemen. An agreement would allow the United Nations to restart a broader political peace process. The Houthis have been fighting against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015 in a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands and left 80% of Yemen’s population dependent on humanitarian aid. The United States has put pressure on its ally Saudi Arabia to end the war and linked some U.S. military support to the kingdom to ending its involvement in Yemen. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Saudi Arabia welcomes positive results of talks to support peace process in Yemen

Big developments taking place in West Asia. Saudi Arabia will be holding the second round of peace talks with Yemen's Houthi rebels, igniting the hope of a possible end to the Yemeni civil war.

Saudi holds talks with Yemen's Houthis | The West Asia Post

Yemen is hoping for a breakthrough as the region's neighbors, Oman and Saudi Arabia, begin peace talks. Additionally, two rebel groups supported by Iran have agreed to hold the negotiations in Sanaa for years.

Reports: Saudi and Houthis have agreed to a six-month truce

Saudi and Omani delegations arrived in Yemen's capital Sanaa, Houthi-run media said on Sunday, to negotiate a permanent ceasefire deal with Houthi officials and end Riyadh's military involvement in the country's long-running war.

The visit indicates progress in the Oman-mediated consultations between Riyadh and Sanaa, which run in parallel with UN&nbsp;peace efforts. Peace efforts have also gained momentum after arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to re-establish ties in a deal brokered by China.

The envoys, who landed late on Saturday, will meet with the head of Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat, to hold talks on ending hostilities and lifting a Saudi-led "blockade" on Yemeni ports, Houthi news agency SABA reported.

Sources have told Reuters that the Saudi-Houthi talks are focused on a full reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and Sanaa airport, payment of wages for public servants, rebuilding efforts and a timeline for foreign forces to exit the country.

Yemen's war is seen as one of several proxy battles between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, ousted a Saudi-backed government from Sanaa in late 2014, and have de facto control of north Yemen, saying they are rising up against a corrupt system and foreign aggression.

They have been fighting against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015 in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and left 80 per cent&nbsp;of Yemen's population dependent on humanitarian aid.

A Houthi official said on Saturday the group had received 13 detainees released by Saudi Arabia in exchange for a Saudi detainee freed earlier, ahead of a wider prisoner exchange agreed upon by the warring sides.

At talks in Switzerland last month attended by the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Yemeni government and the Houthis agreed to free 887 detainees. The 13 prisoners are part of that agreement, Houthi official Abdul Qader al-Mortada said.

The Saudi government media office did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the prisoner exchange and the delegation visiting Sanaa.

&nbsp;

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Saudi and Omani delegations arrived in Yemen's capital Sanaa, Houthi-run media said on Sunday, to negotiate a permanent ceasefire deal with Houthi officials and end Riyadh's military involvement in the country's long-running war.

Saudi and Omani delegations arrived in Yemen's capital Sanaa, Houthi-run media said on Sunday, to negotiate a permanent ceasefire deal with Houthi officials and end Riyadh's military involvement in the country's long-running war. The visit indicates progress in the Oman-mediated consultations between Riyadh and Sanaa, which run in parallel with UN peace efforts. Peace efforts have also gained momentum after arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to re-establish ties in a deal brokered by China. The envoys, who landed late on Saturday, will meet with the head of Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat, to hold talks on ending hostilities and lifting a Saudi-led "blockade" on Yemeni ports, Houthi news agency SABA reported. Sources have told Reuters that the Saudi-Houthi talks are focused on a full reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and Sanaa airport, payment of wages for public servants, rebuilding efforts and a timeline for foreign forces to exit the country. Yemen's war is seen as one of several proxy battles between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, ousted a Saudi-backed government from Sanaa in late 2014, and have de facto control of north Yemen, saying they are rising up against a corrupt system and foreign aggression. They have been fighting against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015 in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and left 80 per cent of Yemen's population dependent on humanitarian aid. A Houthi official said on Saturday the group had received 13 detainees released by Saudi Arabia in exchange for a Saudi detainee freed earlier, ahead of a wider prisoner exchange agreed upon by the warring sides. At talks in Switzerland last month attended by the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Yemeni government and the Houthis agreed to free 887 detainees. The 13 prisoners are part of that agreement, Houthi official Abdul Qader al-Mortada said. The Saudi government media office did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the prisoner exchange and the delegation visiting Sanaa. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi, Omani envoys arrive in Sanaa for peace talks with Houthi rebels

The United Nations children's agency in a statement on Saturday said that more than 11,000 children have been killed or maimed in the Yemen civil war, adding that the "true toll of this conflict is likely to be higher".

As per an AFP report quoting UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell, "Thousands of children have lost their lives, hundreds of thousands more remain at risk of death from preventable disease or starvation."

Watch |&nbsp;The West Asia Post: Is the Yemen war coming to an end?

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The Yemen war which broke out in 2014, saw escalation as Houthi-backed rebels seized the capital Sanaa, which in turn led Saudi-led forces to intervene and put in place a government the next year.

As per UNICEF, about 2.2 million children, a quarter of which are less than five years old in Yemen are acutely malnourished. Most of them are also at risk from Cholera, measles and other diseases that could be easily prevented through vaccinations.

The report added that hundreds of thousands of children have lost their lives since the start of this war, either directly due to the clashes or indirectly due to the unavailability of safe drinking water, food, and disease outbreaks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-ceasefire-ends-without-extension-as-un-envoy-urges-calm-522010">Yemen ceasefire ends without extension as UN envoy urges calm</a>

UNICEF's latest numbers put the number of child deaths between March 2015 and September 2022 at 3,774. Additionally, the organisation claims that some 3,904 boys and 90 girls have been recruited into the fighting over the last eight years.

"If the children of Yemen are to have any chance of a decent future... all those with influence must ensure they are protected and supported," said Russell as the agency appealed for a $484.4 million funding to tackle the humanitarian crisis plaguing the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations children's agency in a statement on Saturday said that more than 11,000 children have been killed or maimed in the Yemen civil war, adding that the "true toll of this conflict is likely to be higher".

The United Nations children's agency in a statement on Saturday said that more than 11,000 children have been killed or maimed in the Yemen civil war, adding that the "true toll of this conflict is likely to be higher". As per an AFP report quoting UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell, "Thousands of children have lost their lives, hundreds of thousands more remain at risk of death from preventable disease or starvation." Watch | The West Asia Post: Is the Yemen war coming to an end? The Yemen war which broke out in 2014, saw escalation as Houthi-backed rebels seized the capital Sanaa, which in turn led Saudi-led forces to intervene and put in place a government the next year. As per UNICEF, about 2.2 million children, a quarter of which are less than five years old in Yemen are acutely malnourished. Most of them are also at risk from Cholera, measles and other diseases that could be easily prevented through vaccinations. The report added that hundreds of thousands of children have lost their lives since the start of this war, either directly due to the clashes or indirectly due to the unavailability of safe drinking water, food, and disease outbreaks. Also read | Yemen ceasefire ends without extension as UN envoy urges calm UNICEF's latest numbers put the number of child deaths between March 2015 and September 2022 at 3,774. Additionally, the organisation claims that some 3,904 boys and 90 girls have been recruited into the fighting over the last eight years. "If the children of Yemen are to have any chance of a decent future... all those with influence must ensure they are protected and supported," said Russell as the agency appealed for a $484.4 million funding to tackle the humanitarian crisis plaguing the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

11,000 children killed or maimed, another 2.2 million malnourished due to war in Yemen: UNICEF

The six-month truce between the Yemen government forces and Houthi rebels is over. What happened? Will The fighting resume? Ghadi Francis tells you more on #TheWestAsiaPost

The West Asia Post | End of the Truce in Yemen

With Omani intervention, seven Indian nationals who were detained by Yemen's Houthi rebels have been released.

The Indian nationals were detained on the ship Rwabee and had been under detention since January 2nd.

Along with seven Indian nationals, one national each from the UK, Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Ethiopia were taken from Yemen's capital Sana'a to the Omani capital of Muscat on a Royal Oman Airforce flight.

An Omani government release said, "Following the instructions of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to work to meet the requests of the governments of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of India, and the Republic of the Philippines to assist in the release of a number of their nationals detained in Yemen, the Sultanate of Oman has coordinated with the concerned authorities in Sana’a, which thankfully responded to these endeavours." It is important to know that the Oman side maintains contact with the Houthis and that the group also has an office in Muscat.&nbsp;

The government of Oman had been in contact with them for some time to secure the release of the sailors, and India, along with other countries, had requested their release. In a statement, the ministry of external affairs thanked the Omani government.&nbsp;

It said, "The government of India would like to thank all concerned parties for the release of the Indian sailors, in particular the government of Oman."

The Indian nationals who have been released are Sandeep Singh, Muhammad Munwar Samir, Dr Jashim Khan, Akhil Rego, Fresh Vassamsetti, Srijith Sajivan, and Dibash Mota Paramil.&nbsp;

The matter also came up at the United Nations Security Council in January.&nbsp;

The MEA statement highlighted that "the government of India has been exerting all efforts for the release of the Indian crew members over the past months." The government of India has been in touch with various parties to ensure the safety and well-being of our sailors during this time. "

Houthis are Yemeni rebels backed by Iran who are fighting against Saudi Arabia and the UAE for what they see as intervention in their country.&nbsp;

The Rwabee was a UAE-flagged vessel that the Houthis had taken into custody. Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2011, when, amid the Arab Spring, the then President Ali Abdullah Saleh was ousted.&nbsp;

Since 2015, a 9-country coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been intervening in the country unsuccessfully. Houthis have also, in the past, attacked oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. Recently, the country saw its first ceasefire in years, which was welcomed by India.

With Omani intervention, seven Indian nationals who were detained by Yemen's Houthi rebels have been released. The Indian nationals were detained on the ship Rwabee and had been under detention since January 2nd.

With Omani intervention, seven Indian nationals who were detained by Yemen's Houthi rebels have been released. The Indian nationals were detained on the ship Rwabee and had been under detention since January 2nd. Along with seven Indian nationals, one national each from the UK, Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Ethiopia were taken from Yemen's capital Sana'a to the Omani capital of Muscat on a Royal Oman Airforce flight. An Omani government release said, "Following the instructions of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to work to meet the requests of the governments of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of India, and the Republic of the Philippines to assist in the release of a number of their nationals detained in Yemen, the Sultanate of Oman has coordinated with the concerned authorities in Sana’a, which thankfully responded to these endeavours." It is important to know that the Oman side maintains contact with the Houthis and that the group also has an office in Muscat. The government of Oman had been in contact with them for some time to secure the release of the sailors, and India, along with other countries, had requested their release. In a statement, the ministry of external affairs thanked the Omani government. It said, "The government of India would like to thank all concerned parties for the release of the Indian sailors, in particular the government of Oman." The Indian nationals who have been released are Sandeep Singh, Muhammad Munwar Samir, Dr Jashim Khan, Akhil Rego, Fresh Vassamsetti, Srijith Sajivan, and Dibash Mota Paramil. The matter also came up at the United Nations Security Council in January. The MEA statement highlighted that "the government of India has been exerting all efforts for the release of the Indian crew members over the past months." The government of India has been in touch with various parties to ensure the safety and well-being of our sailors during this time. " Houthis are Yemeni rebels backed by Iran who are fighting against Saudi Arabia and the UAE for what they see as intervention in their country. The Rwabee was a UAE-flagged vessel that the Houthis had taken into custody. Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2011, when, amid the Arab Spring, the then President Ali Abdullah Saleh was ousted. Since 2015, a 9-country coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been intervening in the country unsuccessfully. Houthis have also, in the past, attacked oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. Recently, the country saw its first ceasefire in years, which was welcomed by India.

After Oman's intervention, seven Indians under Houthi detention released

The warring sides in Yemen's seven-year conflict have for the first time in years agreed a nationwide truce, which would also allow fuel imports into Houthi-held areas and some flights operating from Sanaa airport, the United Nations envoy said on Friday.

The UN-brokered deal between a Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi group aligned with Iran is the most significant step yet towards ending a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and pushed millions into hunger. The last coordinated cessation of hostilities nationwide was during peace talks in 2016.

UN&nbsp;special envoy Hans Grundberg said the two-month truce would come into effect on Saturday and could be renewed with consent of the parties.

"The parties accepted to halt all offensive military air, ground and maritime operations inside Yemen and across its borders; they also agreed for fuel ships to enter into Hodeidah ports and commercial flights to operate in and out of Sanaa airport to predetermined destinations in the region," he said in a statement.

The UN and US&nbsp;envoys had been trying since last year to engineer a permanent ceasefire needed to revive political negotiations stalled since late 2018 to end the conflict.

It is widely seen as a proxy war between Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran and Riyadh has struggled to exit the conflict.

The Saudi-backed Yemeni government, which the Houthis ousted from the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014, said earlier it would facilitate arrangements for release of prisoners, opening Sanaa airport and allowing fuel vessels into Houthi-held Hodeidah port.

"We immediately announce the release of the first two fuel ships through Hodeidah port," Foreign Minister Ahmed Bin Mubarak said on Twitter.

Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam welcomed the truce. Another senior Houthi official, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, said on Twitter its "credibility would be in implementation".

The Saudi-led coalition, which intervened in March 2015 against the Houthis, controls Yemen's seas and air space.

The warring parties are also discussing a prisoner swap under which hundreds from both sides would be freed, including 16 Saudis, three Sudanese and a brother of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

The last major prisoner swap, involving around 1,000 detainees, took place in 2020 as part of confidence-building steps agreed at the last peace talks held in December 2018. 
&nbsp;

The warring sides in Yemen's seven-year conflict have for the first time in years agreed a nationwide truce, which would also allow fuel imports into Houthi-held areas and some flights operating from Sanaa airport, the United Nations envoy said on Friday.

The warring sides in Yemen's seven-year conflict have for the first time in years agreed a nationwide truce, which would also allow fuel imports into Houthi-held areas and some flights operating from Sanaa airport, the United Nations envoy said on Friday. The UN-brokered deal between a Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi group aligned with Iran is the most significant step yet towards ending a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and pushed millions into hunger. The last coordinated cessation of hostilities nationwide was during peace talks in 2016. UN special envoy Hans Grundberg said the two-month truce would come into effect on Saturday and could be renewed with consent of the parties. "The parties accepted to halt all offensive military air, ground and maritime operations inside Yemen and across its borders; they also agreed for fuel ships to enter into Hodeidah ports and commercial flights to operate in and out of Sanaa airport to predetermined destinations in the region," he said in a statement. The UN and US envoys had been trying since last year to engineer a permanent ceasefire needed to revive political negotiations stalled since late 2018 to end the conflict. It is widely seen as a proxy war between Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran and Riyadh has struggled to exit the conflict. The Saudi-backed Yemeni government, which the Houthis ousted from the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014, said earlier it would facilitate arrangements for release of prisoners, opening Sanaa airport and allowing fuel vessels into Houthi-held Hodeidah port. "We immediately announce the release of the first two fuel ships through Hodeidah port," Foreign Minister Ahmed Bin Mubarak said on Twitter. Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam welcomed the truce. Another senior Houthi official, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, said on Twitter its "credibility would be in implementation". The Saudi-led coalition, which intervened in March 2015 against the Houthis, controls Yemen's seas and air space. The warring parties are also discussing a prisoner swap under which hundreds from both sides would be freed, including 16 Saudis, three Sudanese and a brother of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The last major prisoner swap, involving around 1,000 detainees, took place in 2020 as part of confidence-building steps agreed at the last peace talks held in December 2018.

Yemen's warring parties agree two-month truce in major breakthrough

Houthi rebels have struck a fuel depot in Jeddah. Despite the attack, Formula Grand Prix went ahead. Meanwhile, Saudi launched counter-strike on rebels.

Yemen's Houthis claims attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah

Rebels strike fuel depot in Jeddah: Formula Grand Prix to go ahead despite attack

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