Yemen's internationally-recognised government Monday (Feb 5) named foreign minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as the new prime minister in a surprise appointment that analysts say will likely anger the country's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Bin Mubarak replaces Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed at a time of rising tensions in the Arabian Peninsula's poorest country following a spate of Red Sea attacks by Houthi rebels which have prompted retaliatory strikes by the United States and Britain.

A decree issued by Yemen's presidential council and carried by the official Saba news agency announced bin Mubarak's appointment as premier and assigned the outgoing prime minister to the post of presidential advisor.

It did not give a reason for the move.

Bin Mubarak, Yemen's former ambassador to the US, is widely seen as a staunch adversary of the Houthi rebels, who abducted him in 2015 and held him captive for several days.

He previously served as chief of staff of Yemen's presidential office and was also appointed as the country's envoy to the United Nations in 2018.

Mohammed Al-Basha, a Yemen expert for the US-based Navanti research group, said bin Mubarak is seen as one of the "architects of the Saudi-led coalition" that intervened against Houthis in 2015 to prop up the internationally-recognised government, a year after the rebels captured the capital Sanaa.

"The Houthis are unlikely to embrace the appointment of bin Mubarak," he said, adding that bin Mubarak is a long-time adversary of the group.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-destroys-10-houthi-attack-drones-control-station-in-yemen-686086">Watch |&nbsp;US destroys 10 Houthi attack drones, control station in Yemen</a>

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His appointment "is likely to intensify tensions between the Huthis and the internationally recognised government," the expert added.

The Houthis, part of the anti-Western, anti-Israel "axis of resistance" of Iranian-backed groups, have been harassing Red Sea shipping for months, triggering US and British reprisal attacks.&nbsp;

The Houthis have launched more than 30 attacks on commercial shipping and naval vessels since November 19, according to the Pentagon.

The rebels say the attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians and in protest at the Israel-Hamas war that has been raging in the Gaza Strip since October.&nbsp;

The attacks have prompted some shipping companies to detour around southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, a vital route that normally carries about 12 per cent of global maritime trade.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-carry-out-joint-air-raids-against-houthi-targets-in-yemen-hit-36-sites-686775">Also read |&nbsp;US, UK carry out joint air raids against Houthi targets in Yemen, hit 36 sites</a>

In response, US and British forces have launched strikes targeting Huthi missile sites and other military facilities. The US has also carried out a series of unilateral strikes.

In recent remarks, bin Mubarak called on the European Union to designate the Huthis as a terrorist group and has advocated for increased military support to government forces in the wake of the Red Sea attacks.

Yemen's internationally-recognised government Monday (Feb 5) named foreign minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as the new prime minister in a surprise appointment that analysts say will likely anger the country's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Yemen's internationally-recognised government Monday (Feb 5) named foreign minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as the new prime minister in a surprise appointment that analysts say will likely anger the country's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Bin Mubarak replaces Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed at a time of rising tensions in the Arabian Peninsula's poorest country following a spate of Red Sea attacks by Houthi rebels which have prompted retaliatory strikes by the United States and Britain. A decree issued by Yemen's presidential council and carried by the official Saba news agency announced bin Mubarak's appointment as premier and assigned the outgoing prime minister to the post of presidential advisor. It did not give a reason for the move. Bin Mubarak, Yemen's former ambassador to the US, is widely seen as a staunch adversary of the Houthi rebels, who abducted him in 2015 and held him captive for several days. He previously served as chief of staff of Yemen's presidential office and was also appointed as the country's envoy to the United Nations in 2018. Mohammed Al-Basha, a Yemen expert for the US-based Navanti research group, said bin Mubarak is seen as one of the "architects of the Saudi-led coalition" that intervened against Houthis in 2015 to prop up the internationally-recognised government, a year after the rebels captured the capital Sanaa. "The Houthis are unlikely to embrace the appointment of bin Mubarak," he said, adding that bin Mubarak is a long-time adversary of the group. Watch | US destroys 10 Houthi attack drones, control station in Yemen × His appointment "is likely to intensify tensions between the Huthis and the internationally recognised government," the expert added. The Houthis, part of the anti-Western, anti-Israel "axis of resistance" of Iranian-backed groups, have been harassing Red Sea shipping for months, triggering US and British reprisal attacks. The Houthis have launched more than 30 attacks on commercial shipping and naval vessels since November 19, according to the Pentagon. The rebels say the attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians and in protest at the Israel-Hamas war that has been raging in the Gaza Strip since October. The attacks have prompted some shipping companies to detour around southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, a vital route that normally carries about 12 per cent of global maritime trade. Also read | US, UK carry out joint air raids against Houthi targets in Yemen, hit 36 sites In response, US and British forces have launched strikes targeting Huthi missile sites and other military facilities. The US has also carried out a series of unilateral strikes. In recent remarks, bin Mubarak called on the European Union to designate the Huthis as a terrorist group and has advocated for increased military support to government forces in the wake of the Red Sea attacks.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak, who's opposed to Houthi rebels, named Yemen's new prime minister

The US has confirmed that they have carried out additional strikes in Yemen to target the rebels in retaliation to the Iran bread Houthi Rebels attacking the shipping vessels in the Red Sea. According to US Central Command, they carried out strikes in self-defence against Houthi Rebels.

Israel-Hamas war | US Centcom carries out 'self-defence' strikes in Yemen

In the latest development on Middle East crisis,&nbsp;John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman said the recent US&nbsp;strikes on Iran-backed groups on Friday night (Feb 2) mark only the initial phase of action, with further measures to follow.&nbsp;

In the Indian state of Jharkhand, Chief Minister Champai Soren's government is poised for a victory in the floor test scheduled for Monday (Feb 5).

In other news, Chinese-origin Australian writer Yang Hengjun, accused of espionage by China, received a suspended death sentence from a Beijing court.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-us-may-launch-additional-strikes-against-iran-backed-groups-686946">Middle East Crisis: US may launch additional strikes against Iran-backed groups</a>

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White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Sunday (Feb 4) that the strikes which took place Friday night by the United States against Iran-backed groups were just the "first round" of action and more will follow.&nbsp;

The US military hit Tehran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria were a retaliation for a deadly attack on US troops in Jordan, which killed three US soldiers. A day after that, the US and the United Kingdom unleashed attacks on the Iran-aligned Houthis of Yemen late on Saturday in a joint action.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-floor-test-today-champai-govt-confident-of-win-ex-cm-soren-to-cast-vote-687009">Jharkhand floor test today: Champai govt confident of win, ex-CM Soren to cast vote</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/05/410034-untitled-design-2.png?imwidth=500" />

A floor test in the Indian state of Jharkhand will take place on Monday (Feb 5) with Chief Minister Champai Soren's government confident of a win. Former chief minister Hemant Soren, who has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), will cast his vote in the floor test. Champai Soren became the CM last week following political upheaval in the state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-grammy-awards-2024-full-list-of-winners-updating-live-686970">Grammy Awards 2024: Full list of winners (updating live)</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/05/410030-horizons-5.jpg?imwidth=500" />

Music’s biggest night is here as The Recording Academy brought out its big guns to acknowledge the best in the world of music last year. Ahead of the main televised event, Grammys premiere ceremony began at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. While Elaine Martone picked up her Grammy for being the Producer of the Year in Classical music, Michelle Obama won Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for&nbsp;The Light We Carry: Overcoming In Uncertain Times.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-writer-yang-hengjun-given-suspended-death-sentence-in-china-687028">Australian writer Yang Hengjun given suspended death sentence in China</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/05/410048-untitled-design-3.png?imwidth=500" />

Australian writer Yang Hengjun a suspended death, who was accused of espionage by China, was given a suspended death sentence by a court in Beijing on Monday (Feb 5). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Sydney-based scholar Feng Chongyi said the court delivered a suspended death sentence that would convert to life imprisonment after two years.

Watch |&nbsp;Indian startups raised $732 million across 107 deals in January 2024

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In the latest development on Middle East crisis, John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman said the recent US strikes on Iran-backed groups on Friday night (Feb 2) mark only the initial phase of action, with further measures to follow.

In the latest development on Middle East crisis, John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman said the recent US strikes on Iran-backed groups on Friday night (Feb 2) mark only the initial phase of action, with further measures to follow. In the Indian state of Jharkhand, Chief Minister Champai Soren's government is poised for a victory in the floor test scheduled for Monday (Feb 5). In other news, Chinese-origin Australian writer Yang Hengjun, accused of espionage by China, received a suspended death sentence from a Beijing court. Click on the headlines to read more. Middle East Crisis: US may launch additional strikes against Iran-backed groups White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Sunday (Feb 4) that the strikes which took place Friday night by the United States against Iran-backed groups were just the "first round" of action and more will follow. The US military hit Tehran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria were a retaliation for a deadly attack on US troops in Jordan, which killed three US soldiers. A day after that, the US and the United Kingdom unleashed attacks on the Iran-aligned Houthis of Yemen late on Saturday in a joint action. Jharkhand floor test today: Champai govt confident of win, ex-CM Soren to cast vote A floor test in the Indian state of Jharkhand will take place on Monday (Feb 5) with Chief Minister Champai Soren's government confident of a win. Former chief minister Hemant Soren, who has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), will cast his vote in the floor test. Champai Soren became the CM last week following political upheaval in the state. Grammy Awards 2024: Full list of winners (updating live) Music’s biggest night is here as The Recording Academy brought out its big guns to acknowledge the best in the world of music last year. Ahead of the main televised event, Grammys premiere ceremony began at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. While Elaine Martone picked up her Grammy for being the Producer of the Year in Classical music, Michelle Obama won Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for The Light We Carry: Overcoming In Uncertain Times. Australian writer Yang Hengjun given suspended death sentence in China Australian writer Yang Hengjun a suspended death, who was accused of espionage by China, was given a suspended death sentence by a court in Beijing on Monday (Feb 5). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Sydney-based scholar Feng Chongyi said the court delivered a suspended death sentence that would convert to life imprisonment after two years. Watch | Indian startups raised $732 million across 107 deals in January 2024

Morning news brief: US mulls more strikes on Iran-backed groups; Grammy Awards 2024, and more

US and UK have launched retaliatory airstrikes over Red Sea attacks. Pentagon says it targeted 13 locations across Yemen. Iraq summoned US envoy in Baghdad after American strikes. The strikes in Syria & Iraq reportedly killed 40. Iran has condemned US response in Syria and Iraq. Watch to know more!

Pentagon says it has targeted 13 Houthi location across Yemen

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>
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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

American forces carried out strikes in Yemen against 10 attack drones and a ground control station belonging to the Iran-backed Houthis, the US military said Wednesday.

US destroys 10 Houthi attack drones, control station in Yemen

This is the fourth visit of David Cameron to West Asia. He will be discussing Houthi Attacks on the International shipping in the Red Sea. Cameron will meet his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Attacks: UK Foreign secretary to discuss rising tensions in West Asia in Oman visit

Royal Navy destroyers and frigates cannot strike Houthi land targets. The situation has been described by a former UK Defence Chief as a scandal now this deficiency has left the US to strike land targets against the Houthis alone. Former UK Defence Chief said, 'Warships lack firepower to attack.'

Red Sea Houthi Crisis: UK warships can't attack Houthi land targets

Yemen's Houthi rebels on Friday stepped up attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea, including a hit that sparked a fire on a fuel tanker operated on behalf of trading firm Trafigura.

Houthi Red Sea attacks: UK says it 'reserves the right to respond' after attack

Chinese officials have asked their Iranian counterparts to help rein in attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthis, or risk harming business relations with Beijing, four Iranian sources and a diplomat familiar with the matter said.

The discussions about the&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;and trade between China and Iran took place at several recent meetings in Beijing and Tehran, the Iranian sources said, declining to provide details about when they took place or who attended.

"Basically, China says: 'If our interests are harmed in any way, it will impact our business with Tehran. So tell the Houthis to show restraint'," said one Iranian official briefed on the talks, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

The attacks, which the Houthis say are in support of Palestinians in Gaza, have raised the cost of shipping and insurance by&nbsp;disrupting&nbsp;a key trade route between Asia and Europe used widely by ships from China.

The Chinese officials, however, did not make any specific comments or threats about how Beijing's trading relationship with Iran could be affected if its interests were damaged by Houthi attacks, the four Iranian sources said.

While China has been Iran's biggest trading partner for the past decade, their trade relationship is lopsided.

Chinese oil refiners, for example, bought over 90% of Iran's crude exports last year, according to tanker tracking data from trade analytics firm Kpler, as US&nbsp;sanctions kept many other customers away and Chinese firms profited from heavy discounts.

Iranian oil, though, only accounts for 10% of China's crude imports and Beijing has an array of suppliers that could plug shortfalls from elsewhere.

The Iranian sources said Beijing had made it clear it would be very disappointed with Tehran if any vessels linked to China were hit, or the country's interests were affected in any way.

But while China was important to Iran, Tehran also had proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, besides the Houthis in Yemen, and its regional alliances and priorities played a major role in its decision making, one of the Iranian insiders said.

Asked for comment about meetings with Iran to discuss the Red Sea attacks, China's ministry of foreign affairs said: "China is a sincere friend of the countries of the Middle East and is committed to promoting regional security and stability and seeking common development and prosperity."

"We firmly support Middle Eastern countries in strengthening their strategic independence and uniting and collaborating to resolve regional security issues," it told Reuters.

Iran's foreign ministry was not immediately available to comment.

<h2 data-testid="Heading">Axis of resistance</h2>

Military&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;by US&nbsp;and British forces on Houthi targets in Yemen this month have failed to stop attacks on shipping by the group, which controls a large chunk of Yemen including the capital Sanaa and much of the country's Red Sea coast by the Bab al-Mandab strait.

The Houthis, who first emerged in the 1980s as an armed group in opposition to Saudi Arabia's Sunni religious influence in Yemen, are&nbsp;armed, funded and trained&nbsp;by Iran and are part of its anti-West, anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance".

A senior U.S. official said Washington had asked China to use its leverage with Iran to persuade it to restrain the Houthis, including in conversations Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had this month with senior Chinese Communist Party official Liu Jianchao.

A senior Iranian official said while Chinese officials discussed their concerns thoroughly in the meetings, they never mentioned any requests from Washington.

On Jan. 14, China's foreign minister Wang Yi&nbsp;called&nbsp;for an end to attacks on civilian ships in the Red Sea - without naming the Houthis or mentioning Iran - and the maintenance of supply chains and the international trade order.

Victor Gao, chair professor at China's Soochow University, said China, as the world's biggest trading nation, was disproportionately affected by the shipping disruption and restoring stability in the Red Sea was a priority.

But Gao, a former Chinese diplomat and an adviser to oil giant Saudi Aramco, said Beijing would view Israel's treatment of the Palestinians as the root cause of the Red Sea crisis and would not want to publicly ascribe blame to the Houthis.

A US&nbsp;State Department spokesperson declined to comment when asked about bilateral Iran-China discussions on the issue.

A diplomat familiar with the matter said China had been talking to Iran about the issue but it was unclear how seriously Tehran was taking Beijing's advice.

Two officials in the Yemeni government, an enemy of the Houthis, said they were aware that several countries, including China, had sought to influence Iran to rein the Houthis in.

Analysts Gregory Brew of Eurasia Group and Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group said China had potential leverage over Iran because of its oil purchases and because Iran was hoping to attract more Chinese direct investment in future.

However, both said China had so far been reluctant to use its leverage, for several reasons.

"China prefers to free-ride on the U.S. safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea by bloodying the Houthis' nose," said Vaez, adding that Beijing was also aware that Iran did not have total control over its Yemeni allies.

<h2 data-testid="Heading">Influence not absolute</h2>

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said on Thursday that Iran to date had not conveyed any message from China about scaling back attacks.

"They will not inform us of such a request, especially since Iran's stated position is to support Yemen. It condemned the American-British strikes on Yemen, and considered Yemen's position honourable and responsible," he said.

The four Iranian sources said it was unclear whether Iran would take any action following the discussions with Beijing.

The stakes are high for Iran as China is one of the few powers capable of providing the billions of dollars of investment Tehran needs to maintain the capacity of its oil sector and keep its economy afloat.

China's influence was evident in 2023 when it facilitated an agreement between Iran and regional rival Saudi Arabia to end years of hostilities.

Yet while there are robust economic ties between China and Iran, Beijing's influence on Tehran's geopolitical decisions was not absolute, one of the Iranian insiders said.

Some within Iran's ruling establishment have questioned the value of the partnership with Beijing, pointing to relatively low non-oil trade and investment volumes since China and Iran signed a 25-year cooperation agreement in 2021.

Iranian state media says Chinese firms have only invested $185 million since then. State media also said last year that Iranian non-oil exports to China fell 68% in the first five months of 2023 while Iran's imports from China rose 40%.

By contrast, Chinese companies committed last year to invest billions in Saudi Arabia after the countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022.

Two of the Iranian insiders said while China could not be ignored, Tehran had other priorities to consider and its decisions were shaped by a complex interplay of factors.

"Regional alliances and priorities as well as ideological considerations contribute significantly to Tehran's decisions," one of the people said.

The second person said Iran's rulers had to adopt a nuanced strategy when it came to the Gaza war, as well as the Houthi attacks, and that Tehran would not abandon its allies.

Iran's role as leader of its "Axis of Resistance" - which includes the Houthis, Lebanon's Hezbollah, Hamas and militias in Iraq and Syria - had to be balanced against avoiding getting sucked into a regional war over Gaza, the Iranian sources said.

Tehran's messaging to - and about - the Houthis required a measure of deniability about the extent of its control over them - but also an ability to claim some credit for their anti-Israel actions, one of the people said.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Chinese officials have asked their Iranian counterparts to help rein in attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthis, or risk harming business relations with Beijing, four Iranian sources and a diplomat familiar with the matter said.

Chinese officials have asked their Iranian counterparts to help rein in attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthis, or risk harming business relations with Beijing, four Iranian sources and a diplomat familiar with the matter said. The discussions about the attacks and trade between China and Iran took place at several recent meetings in Beijing and Tehran, the Iranian sources said, declining to provide details about when they took place or who attended. "Basically, China says: 'If our interests are harmed in any way, it will impact our business with Tehran. So tell the Houthis to show restraint'," said one Iranian official briefed on the talks, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. The attacks, which the Houthis say are in support of Palestinians in Gaza, have raised the cost of shipping and insurance by disrupting a key trade route between Asia and Europe used widely by ships from China. The Chinese officials, however, did not make any specific comments or threats about how Beijing's trading relationship with Iran could be affected if its interests were damaged by Houthi attacks, the four Iranian sources said. While China has been Iran's biggest trading partner for the past decade, their trade relationship is lopsided. Chinese oil refiners, for example, bought over 90% of Iran's crude exports last year, according to tanker tracking data from trade analytics firm Kpler, as US sanctions kept many other customers away and Chinese firms profited from heavy discounts. Iranian oil, though, only accounts for 10% of China's crude imports and Beijing has an array of suppliers that could plug shortfalls from elsewhere. The Iranian sources said Beijing had made it clear it would be very disappointed with Tehran if any vessels linked to China were hit, or the country's interests were affected in any way. But while China was important to Iran, Tehran also had proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, besides the Houthis in Yemen, and its regional alliances and priorities played a major role in its decision making, one of the Iranian insiders said. Asked for comment about meetings with Iran to discuss the Red Sea attacks, China's ministry of foreign affairs said: "China is a sincere friend of the countries of the Middle East and is committed to promoting regional security and stability and seeking common development and prosperity." "We firmly support Middle Eastern countries in strengthening their strategic independence and uniting and collaborating to resolve regional security issues," it told Reuters. Iran's foreign ministry was not immediately available to comment. Axis of resistance Military strikes by US and British forces on Houthi targets in Yemen this month have failed to stop attacks on shipping by the group, which controls a large chunk of Yemen including the capital Sanaa and much of the country's Red Sea coast by the Bab al-Mandab strait. The Houthis, who first emerged in the 1980s as an armed group in opposition to Saudi Arabia's Sunni religious influence in Yemen, are armed, funded and trained by Iran and are part of its anti-West, anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance". A senior U.S. official said Washington had asked China to use its leverage with Iran to persuade it to restrain the Houthis, including in conversations Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had this month with senior Chinese Communist Party official Liu Jianchao. A senior Iranian official said while Chinese officials discussed their concerns thoroughly in the meetings, they never mentioned any requests from Washington. On Jan. 14, China's foreign minister Wang Yi called for an end to attacks on civilian ships in the Red Sea - without naming the Houthis or mentioning Iran - and the maintenance of supply chains and the international trade order. Victor Gao, chair professor at China's Soochow University, said China, as the world's biggest trading nation, was disproportionately affected by the shipping disruption and restoring stability in the Red Sea was a priority. But Gao, a former Chinese diplomat and an adviser to oil giant Saudi Aramco, said Beijing would view Israel's treatment of the Palestinians as the root cause of the Red Sea crisis and would not want to publicly ascribe blame to the Houthis. A US State Department spokesperson declined to comment when asked about bilateral Iran-China discussions on the issue. A diplomat familiar with the matter said China had been talking to Iran about the issue but it was unclear how seriously Tehran was taking Beijing's advice. Two officials in the Yemeni government, an enemy of the Houthis, said they were aware that several countries, including China, had sought to influence Iran to rein the Houthis in. Analysts Gregory Brew of Eurasia Group and Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group said China had potential leverage over Iran because of its oil purchases and because Iran was hoping to attract more Chinese direct investment in future. However, both said China had so far been reluctant to use its leverage, for several reasons. "China prefers to free-ride on the U.S. safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea by bloodying the Houthis' nose," said Vaez, adding that Beijing was also aware that Iran did not have total control over its Yemeni allies. Influence not absolute Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said on Thursday that Iran to date had not conveyed any message from China about scaling back attacks. "They will not inform us of such a request, especially since Iran's stated position is to support Yemen. It condemned the American-British strikes on Yemen, and considered Yemen's position honourable and responsible," he said. The four Iranian sources said it was unclear whether Iran would take any action following the discussions with Beijing. The stakes are high for Iran as China is one of the few powers capable of providing the billions of dollars of investment Tehran needs to maintain the capacity of its oil sector and keep its economy afloat. China's influence was evident in 2023 when it facilitated an agreement between Iran and regional rival Saudi Arabia to end years of hostilities. Yet while there are robust economic ties between China and Iran, Beijing's influence on Tehran's geopolitical decisions was not absolute, one of the Iranian insiders said. Some within Iran's ruling establishment have questioned the value of the partnership with Beijing, pointing to relatively low non-oil trade and investment volumes since China and Iran signed a 25-year cooperation agreement in 2021. Iranian state media says Chinese firms have only invested $185 million since then. State media also said last year that Iranian non-oil exports to China fell 68% in the first five months of 2023 while Iran's imports from China rose 40%. By contrast, Chinese companies committed last year to invest billions in Saudi Arabia after the countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022. Two of the Iranian insiders said while China could not be ignored, Tehran had other priorities to consider and its decisions were shaped by a complex interplay of factors. "Regional alliances and priorities as well as ideological considerations contribute significantly to Tehran's decisions," one of the people said. The second person said Iran's rulers had to adopt a nuanced strategy when it came to the Gaza war, as well as the Houthi attacks, and that Tehran would not abandon its allies. Iran's role as leader of its "Axis of Resistance" - which includes the Houthis, Lebanon's Hezbollah, Hamas and militias in Iraq and Syria - had to be balanced against avoiding getting sucked into a regional war over Gaza, the Iranian sources said. Tehran's messaging to - and about - the Houthis required a measure of deniability about the extent of its control over them - but also an ability to claim some credit for their anti-Israel actions, one of the people said.

China presses Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in Red Sea, sources say

Latest Houthi attack, targeting a US-owned and operated container ship, comes just hours after the latest US strikes in Yemen.

Explosions near cargo ship in red sea

Second round of joint airstrikes by the US & UK target Yemen's Houthi rebels. The Houthis have vowed 'to respond to any attacks on Yemen.' Houthi's claim to have fired at a U.S. cargo ship in Red sea. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Crisis: Houthis have vowed to respond to 'any attacks on Yemen'

The violence in the Red Sea has sent shipping costs through the roof. Earlier this week, the U.S. and its allies sent a 'final warning' to Yemen's Houthi rebels, the latter detonated an unmanned boat in the Red Sea hours later. It is Houthis vs America and its allies in the dangerous waters. What will be the next move?

The war comes to The Red Sea

Red Sea: Houthis defy America's 'final warning'. What's next?

The United States and the United Kingdom carried out a fresh series of joint air strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.&nbsp;

The Pentagon, in a statement, said that the air strikes carried out on Monday (Jan 22) hit eight targets which included weapon storage facilities, air defence systems, missile systems and launchers.

The latest strikes conducted by the US and UK were against "eight Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the Houthis' continued attacks against international and commercial shipping as well as naval vessels transiting the Red Sea," said Washington and London, in a joint statement with other nations which supported the military action.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-rebel-group-claims-it-attacked-us-military-ship-in-gulf-of-aden-washington-denies-682615">&nbsp;Yemen's Houthi rebel group claims it attacked US military ship in Gulf of Aden, Washington denies</a>

"These precision strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities that the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of innocent mariners," read the statement.&nbsp;

In a separate statement, the US Central Command said that the air strikes were targeted at places which "included missile systems and launchers, air defence systems, radars, and deeply buried weapons storage facilities".

<h2>US, UK claim trying to protect ‘free flow of commerce’&nbsp;</h2>

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been striking ships which they claim to have links with Israel and Western nations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US and UK have claimed that the strikes are aimed at protecting the "free flow of commerce".

In a joint statement, the Pentagon said that “an additional round of proportionate and necessary strikes" were carried out&nbsp;against the Houthis.

"Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let us reiterate our warning to Houthi leadership: we will not hesitate to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways in the face of continued threats,” the statement further read.&nbsp;

This is the eighth strike launched by the US on Houthis in Yemen. This is also the second joint operation conducted by the US with the UK, after joint air strikes were launched on January 11.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: US Navy SEALs die during anti-Houthi operation. What's the real story?

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The joint statement claimed that the joint strikes were launched with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands.

The strikes on Monday were carried out by US fighter jets from the carrier USS Eisenhower along with the UK’s four RAF Typhoons and a pair of Voyager tankers.&nbsp;

"Our aircraft used Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to strike multiple targets at two military sites in the vicinity of Sanaa airfield. These locations were being used to enable the continued intolerable attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea," said the UK Ministry of Defence.

"In line with UK standard practice, a very rigorous analysis was applied in planning the strikes to minimise any risk of civilian casualties, and as with the previous strikes, our aircraft bombed at night to mitigate yet further any such risks," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States and the United Kingdom carried out a fresh series of joint air strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Pentagon, in a statement, said that the air strikes carried out on Monday (Jan 22) hit eight targets which included weapon storage facilities, air defence systems, missile systems and launchers.

The United States and the United Kingdom carried out a fresh series of joint air strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Pentagon, in a statement, said that the air strikes carried out on Monday (Jan 22) hit eight targets which included weapon storage facilities, air defence systems, missile systems and launchers. The latest strikes conducted by the US and UK were against "eight Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the Houthis' continued attacks against international and commercial shipping as well as naval vessels transiting the Red Sea," said Washington and London, in a joint statement with other nations which supported the military action. Also read: Yemen's Houthi rebel group claims it attacked US military ship in Gulf of Aden, Washington denies "These precision strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities that the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of innocent mariners," read the statement. In a separate statement, the US Central Command said that the air strikes were targeted at places which "included missile systems and launchers, air defence systems, radars, and deeply buried weapons storage facilities". US, UK claim trying to protect ‘free flow of commerce’ The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been striking ships which they claim to have links with Israel and Western nations. The US and UK have claimed that the strikes are aimed at protecting the "free flow of commerce". In a joint statement, the Pentagon said that “an additional round of proportionate and necessary strikes" were carried out against the Houthis. "Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let us reiterate our warning to Houthi leadership: we will not hesitate to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways in the face of continued threats,” the statement further read. This is the eighth strike launched by the US on Houthis in Yemen. This is also the second joint operation conducted by the US with the UK, after joint air strikes were launched on January 11. Watch: Gravitas: US Navy SEALs die during anti-Houthi operation. What's the real story? The joint statement claimed that the joint strikes were launched with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. The strikes on Monday were carried out by US fighter jets from the carrier USS Eisenhower along with the UK’s four RAF Typhoons and a pair of Voyager tankers. "Our aircraft used Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to strike multiple targets at two military sites in the vicinity of Sanaa airfield. These locations were being used to enable the continued intolerable attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea," said the UK Ministry of Defence. "In line with UK standard practice, a very rigorous analysis was applied in planning the strikes to minimise any risk of civilian casualties, and as with the previous strikes, our aircraft bombed at night to mitigate yet further any such risks," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

US and UK conduct fresh series of air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Monday (Jan 22) claimed it carried out an attack against a US military cargo ship off the coast of Yemen.

"The Yemeni armed forces continue to retaliate to any American or British aggression against our country by targeting all sources of threat in the Red and Arab Sea," the Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said.

He further said that the rebel group "led a military operation targeting the American military cargo ship Ocean Jazz in the Gulf of Aden".

However, the United States rebuffed claims of the attack.

"We're not seeing that at all on our end and believe that statement to be untrue," news agency AFP quoted a US official as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-dean-phillips-the-democrat-threatening-bidens-2024-bid-and-dividing-party-682531">Who is Dean Phillips? The Democrat threatening Biden’s 2024 bid and ‘dividing’ party</a>

<h2>UK to spend millions for upgradation of missile system used in Red Sea</h2>

Meanwhile, the UK's Ministry of Defence on Sunday (Jan 21) announced that it would spend a total of $514 million (405 million pounds) to upgrade a projectile system that is currently being used by the Royal Navy to shoot down drones over the Red Sea.

The MoD said the Sea Viper Air Defence system would be upgraded with missiles featuring a new warhead and software that will allow it to counter ballistic missile threats.

The contracts were awarded to the British division of MBDA, a missiles joint venture owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, the statement further added.

Watch | US &amp; Britain unleash typhoons, Tomahawks &amp; nuclear submarine on Houthis in Yemen

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&nbsp;

"As the situation in the Middle East worsens, it is vital that we adapt to keep the UK, our allies and partners safe," Defence Minister Grant Shapps said in the statement.

"Sea Viper has been at the forefront of this, being the Navy's weapon of choice in the first shooting down of an aerial threat in more than 30 years."

The announcement comes amid tensions in the Red Sea region after the United States and Britain launched retaliatory coalition strikes and shot down drones by Houthis as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to rage on.

Earlier on Saturday (Jan 20), the United States had launched fresh strikes on Houthi rebels targeting an anti-ship ballistic missile, which as per the US army, was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and was preparing to launch.

"US forces determined the missile presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defence," the US Central Command said in a statement on X.

<h2>Strikes against Houthis to continue,&nbsp;says Biden</h2>

US President Joe Biden on Thursday (Jan 18) said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea.

"When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working.

Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Monday (Jan 22) claimed it carried out an attack against a US military cargo ship off the coast of Yemen. "The Yemeni armed forces continue to retaliate to any American or British aggression against our country by targeting all sources of threat in the Red and Arab Sea," the Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Monday (Jan 22) claimed it carried out an attack against a US military cargo ship off the coast of Yemen. "The Yemeni armed forces continue to retaliate to any American or British aggression against our country by targeting all sources of threat in the Red and Arab Sea," the Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said. He further said that the rebel group "led a military operation targeting the American military cargo ship Ocean Jazz in the Gulf of Aden". However, the United States rebuffed claims of the attack. "We're not seeing that at all on our end and believe that statement to be untrue," news agency AFP quoted a US official as saying. Also read: Who is Dean Phillips? The Democrat threatening Biden’s 2024 bid and ‘dividing’ party UK to spend millions for upgradation of missile system used in Red Sea Meanwhile, the UK's Ministry of Defence on Sunday (Jan 21) announced that it would spend a total of $514 million (405 million pounds) to upgrade a projectile system that is currently being used by the Royal Navy to shoot down drones over the Red Sea. The MoD said the Sea Viper Air Defence system would be upgraded with missiles featuring a new warhead and software that will allow it to counter ballistic missile threats. The contracts were awarded to the British division of MBDA, a missiles joint venture owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, the statement further added. Watch | US & Britain unleash typhoons, Tomahawks & nuclear submarine on Houthis in Yemen × "As the situation in the Middle East worsens, it is vital that we adapt to keep the UK, our allies and partners safe," Defence Minister Grant Shapps said in the statement. "Sea Viper has been at the forefront of this, being the Navy's weapon of choice in the first shooting down of an aerial threat in more than 30 years." The announcement comes amid tensions in the Red Sea region after the United States and Britain launched retaliatory coalition strikes and shot down drones by Houthis as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to rage on. Earlier on Saturday (Jan 20), the United States had launched fresh strikes on Houthi rebels targeting an anti-ship ballistic missile, which as per the US army, was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and was preparing to launch. "US forces determined the missile presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defence," the US Central Command said in a statement on X. Strikes against Houthis to continue, says Biden US President Joe Biden on Thursday (Jan 18) said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea. "When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working. Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen's Houthi rebel group claims it attacked US military ship in Gulf of Aden, Washington denies

United States on Saturday (Jan 20) launched fresh strike on Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting an anti-ship ballistic missile, which as per US army, was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and prepared to launch.

"US forces determined the missile presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region, and subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defense," the U.S. Central Command said in a statement on X.

This came amid heightening tensions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that have caused disruptions in the global trade and has raised concerns over supply chain bottlenecks.

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U.S. CENTCOM Destroys Houthi Terrorists' Anti-Ship Missile 
 
As part of ongoing efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on maritime vessels, on Jan. 20 at approximately 4 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted airstrikes against a Houthi… <a href="https://t.co/NYWPHyf7qN">pic.twitter.com/NYWPHyf7qN</a>
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1748726814334214404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Earlier on Friday (Jan 19), US Central Command forces conducted strikes against three Houthi anti-ship missiles that they said were aimed into the Southern Red Sea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launches-satellite-places-it-in-750-km-orbit-official-news-agency-681887">Iran launches satellite, places it in 750 km orbit: Official news agency</a>

<h2>‘Strikes against Houthis to continue,’ says Biden</h2>

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Jan 18) said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea.

"When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working.

Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. &nbsp;

Watch | Houthi rebels target US vessel, Indian Navy warship moves to assist attacked vessel

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<h2>Missiles hit US-led coalition base in Iraq</h2>

Meanwhile, on Saturday, missiles were launched targeting a military base used by US-led coalition forces in western Iraq, a US defence source and Iraqi police told news agency AFP.

"Al-Asad airbase was targeted by 15 rockets" that were fired from Anbar province, where the military base is located, he said.

He further added that 13 of the projectiles were shot down by anti-air defences but "two fell on the airbase".

There have been dozens of attacks on United States and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria since the war broke out between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

"Islamic Resistance in Iraq" has claimed responsibility for the majority of the attacks aimed at US troops.

This is an alliance of Iran-linked armed groups that are against US support for Israel in the Gaza war.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States on Saturday (Jan 20) launched fresh strike on Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting an anti-ship ballistic missile, which as per US army, was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and prepared to launch.

United States on Saturday (Jan 20) launched fresh strike on Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting an anti-ship ballistic missile, which as per US army, was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and prepared to launch. "US forces determined the missile presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region, and subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defense," the U.S. Central Command said in a statement on X. This came amid heightening tensions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that have caused disruptions in the global trade and has raised concerns over supply chain bottlenecks. U.S. CENTCOM Destroys Houthi Terrorists' Anti-Ship Missile As part of ongoing efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on maritime vessels, on Jan. 20 at approximately 4 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted airstrikes against a Houthi… pic.twitter.com/NYWPHyf7qN — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 20, 2024 × Earlier on Friday (Jan 19), US Central Command forces conducted strikes against three Houthi anti-ship missiles that they said were aimed into the Southern Red Sea. Also read: Iran launches satellite, places it in 750 km orbit: Official news agency ‘Strikes against Houthis to continue,’ says Biden United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Jan 18) said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea. "When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working. Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. Watch | Houthi rebels target US vessel, Indian Navy warship moves to assist attacked vessel × Missiles hit US-led coalition base in Iraq Meanwhile, on Saturday, missiles were launched targeting a military base used by US-led coalition forces in western Iraq, a US defence source and Iraqi police told news agency AFP. "Al-Asad airbase was targeted by 15 rockets" that were fired from Anbar province, where the military base is located, he said. He further added that 13 of the projectiles were shot down by anti-air defences but "two fell on the airbase". There have been dozens of attacks on United States and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria since the war broke out between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" has claimed responsibility for the majority of the attacks aimed at US troops. This is an alliance of Iran-linked armed groups that are against US support for Israel in the Gaza war. (With inputs from agencies)

US hits another Houthi anti-ship missile aimed into the Gulf of Aden

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 United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis.

Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea.&nbsp;

"We did it again this morning, striking at... a couple of anti-ship missiles that we had reason to believe were being prepared for imminent fire into the southern Red Sea," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

<h2>'Strikes against Houthis to continue,' says Biden</h2>

The fresh strikes came following United States President Joe Biden's remark who said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea.

"When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working.

Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later&nbsp;the same day. &nbsp;

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-tensions-why-yemens-houthis-could-become-americas-terrorists-once-again-680920">Explained: How Yemen's Houthi rebels became America's 'terrorists' once again</a>

<h2>Biden on Iran-Pakistan situation</h2>

Biden said that the clashes between Pakistan and Iran were clearly depicting that Tehran was not "well-liked" in the region.

"As you can see, Iran is not particularly well-liked in the region," Biden told reporters at the White House, adding that "we're working on" understanding how the situation will develop.

Watch | Houthi rebels target US vessel, Indian Navy warship moves to assist attacked vessel

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&nbsp;

He further said the United States was trying to understand where the Iran-Pakistan situation would go, adding, "Where that goes we're working on now -- I don't know where that goes."

The White House further urged Iran and Pakistan, after both countries launched air strikes on each other's territory, to avoid escalation.

"We're monitoring this very, very closely. We don't want to see an escalation, clearly in South and Central Asia, and we're in touch with our Pakistani counterparts as you'd expect," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Pakistan's foreign ministry claimed that two children were killed and three others injured in an "illegal" airstrike by Iran. Pakistan subsequently responded by expelling the Iranian ambassador in Islamabad and recalled its envoy from Tehran. Later, Islamabad retaliated with strikes at multiple locations inside Iran.

"Pakistan struck on Baloch terrorists in Iran through its airforce in the Saravan and Jalq areas deep inside Iran," a Pakistani military source claimed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis. Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea.

The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis. Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea. "We did it again this morning, striking at... a couple of anti-ship missiles that we had reason to believe were being prepared for imminent fire into the southern Red Sea," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. 'Strikes against Houthis to continue,' says Biden The fresh strikes came following United States President Joe Biden's remark who said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea. "When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working. Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. Also read: Explained: How Yemen's Houthi rebels became America's 'terrorists' once again Biden on Iran-Pakistan situation Biden said that the clashes between Pakistan and Iran were clearly depicting that Tehran was not "well-liked" in the region. "As you can see, Iran is not particularly well-liked in the region," Biden told reporters at the White House, adding that "we're working on" understanding how the situation will develop. Watch | Houthi rebels target US vessel, Indian Navy warship moves to assist attacked vessel × He further said the United States was trying to understand where the Iran-Pakistan situation would go, adding, "Where that goes we're working on now -- I don't know where that goes." The White House further urged Iran and Pakistan, after both countries launched air strikes on each other's territory, to avoid escalation. "We're monitoring this very, very closely. We don't want to see an escalation, clearly in South and Central Asia, and we're in touch with our Pakistani counterparts as you'd expect," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. On Wednesday, Pakistan's foreign ministry claimed that two children were killed and three others injured in an "illegal" airstrike by Iran. Pakistan subsequently responded by expelling the Iranian ambassador in Islamabad and recalled its envoy from Tehran. Later, Islamabad retaliated with strikes at multiple locations inside Iran. "Pakistan struck on Baloch terrorists in Iran through its airforce in the Saravan and Jalq areas deep inside Iran," a Pakistani military source claimed. (With inputs from agencies)

US launches fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis as Biden says attacks to continue

The United States is preparing to name Iran-backed and Yemen-based Houthis as a specially designated terrorist group, multiple Western media publications reported late on Tuesday (Jan 16) citing people familiar with the matter. This comes amid the group's continuous attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea that have raised the shipping costs between Europe and Asia by up to three times.&nbsp;

The Houthis were designated&nbsp;a 'foreign terrorist organization' by the Trump administration when the Yemeni rebels were engaged in a years-long civil war with the internationally-recognised&nbsp;Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

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>

In February 2021, the Biden administration revoked the foreign terrorist designation of the Houthis while arguing that it would make it difficult for the much-needed humanitarian aid to reach the civilians living in the Yemeni territory controlled by the Houthis.

A fragile truce has continued to hold ground since April 2022 between all the warring sides in Yemen.&nbsp;

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

It must be noted that the global terrorisation classification is different from the foreign terrorist designation.

The specially designated global terrorist group label will allow Washington to block the assets of individuals and entities that provide support or assistance to the group as well as related subsidiaries, front organisations or associates.

The foreign terrorist organisation designation, unlike the specially designated global terrorist one, triggers a criminal prohibition on knowingly providing material support or resources to the organisation.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Houthis threaten to attack U.S. warships if 'provoked' | Red Sea crisis

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On January 12, when US President Joe Biden was asked whether he was willing to call the Houthis a terrorist group, he responded: "I think they are."

Tensions between the US and allies and Houthis have escalated in recent days amid Washington's claim that it does not want to go to war with the Iran-backed rebels.

US military’s Central Command on Tuesday (Jan 16) said that its forces struck and destroyed four anti-ship ballistic missiles that the Houthis had prepared to launch earlier in the day. The US has now struck the Houthis three times in less than a week.

The attacks on Red Sea vessels and those in the Gulf of Aden have forced ships to avoid the critical shipping route, instead taking a longer and costlier journey between Asia and Europe via the Cape of Good Hope.

<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=3840" />

According to reports, the attacks by Houthis have increased shipping costs by up to 60 per cent. Rates for shipping a 20 feet container to Europe and the US have risen from an average of $500 before the crisis to $2000 now, Times of India reported.&nbsp;

The United States is preparing to name Iran-backed and Yemen-based Houthis as a specially designated terrorist group, multiple Western media publications reported late on Tuesday (Jan 16) citing people familiar with the matter.

The United States is preparing to name Iran-backed and Yemen-based Houthis as a specially designated terrorist group, multiple Western media publications reported late on Tuesday (Jan 16) citing people familiar with the matter. This comes amid the group's continuous attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea that have raised the shipping costs between Europe and Asia by up to three times. The Houthis were designated a 'foreign terrorist organization' by the Trump administration when the Yemeni rebels were engaged in a years-long civil war with the internationally-recognised Saudi-backed Yemeni government. Also read | Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears' In February 2021, the Biden administration revoked the foreign terrorist designation of the Houthis while arguing that it would make it difficult for the much-needed humanitarian aid to reach the civilians living in the Yemeni territory controlled by the Houthis. A fragile truce has continued to hold ground since April 2022 between all the warring sides in Yemen. What does it mean? It must be noted that the global terrorisation classification is different from the foreign terrorist designation. The specially designated global terrorist group label will allow Washington to block the assets of individuals and entities that provide support or assistance to the group as well as related subsidiaries, front organisations or associates. The foreign terrorist organisation designation, unlike the specially designated global terrorist one, triggers a criminal prohibition on knowingly providing material support or resources to the organisation. Also watch | Gravitas: Houthis threaten to attack U.S. warships if 'provoked' | Red Sea crisis × On January 12, when US President Joe Biden was asked whether he was willing to call the Houthis a terrorist group, he responded: "I think they are." Tensions between the US and allies and Houthis have escalated in recent days amid Washington's claim that it does not want to go to war with the Iran-backed rebels. US military’s Central Command on Tuesday (Jan 16) said that its forces struck and destroyed four anti-ship ballistic missiles that the Houthis had prepared to launch earlier in the day. The US has now struck the Houthis three times in less than a week. The attacks on Red Sea vessels and those in the Gulf of Aden have forced ships to avoid the critical shipping route, instead taking a longer and costlier journey between Asia and Europe via the Cape of Good Hope. According to reports, the attacks by Houthis have increased shipping costs by up to 60 per cent. Rates for shipping a 20 feet container to Europe and the US have risen from an average of $500 before the crisis to $2000 now, Times of India reported.

Houthis set to become 'global terrorists' amid Red Sea attacks. Here's what it means

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar was in Iran on an official visit. The visit comes amid rising Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. Watch this video for all details.

India's Jaishankar discusses Houthi attacks near India during Iran visit

A missile has hit a cargo ship off Yemen, said maritime risk management company Ambrey on Tuesday (January 16). The report has followed a series of attacks Yemen's Houthi rebels carried out against shipping in vital trade routes in the Red Sea.

"A Malta-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier was reportedly targeted and impacted with a missile while transiting the southern Red Sea northbound," Ambrey said in an alert.&nbsp;

The company added that the ship had visited Israel since the outbreak of Israel war. Ambrey said that the ship was headed to the Suez Canal and changed course to head to a port after it was attacked.

Watch | Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to assault on commercial vessels

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AFP cited a source within Greek maritime affairs ministry to say that the ship was named Zografia. The 24-crew vessel was sailing from Vietnam to Israel.

The Zografia "sustained limited damage... but remains in a navigable condition, and is continuing its journey," the source said as quoted by AFP.

Houthi rebels did not immediately release any official statement. The rebels have been attacking shipping in the Red Sea for quite a while now. The Houthi rebels claim that the attacks are carried out to show solidarity with people in the Gaza Strip.

The rebels have attacked US-owned ships too. On Sunday, the US forces shot down a cruise missile launched by Houthi rebel. The missile was targetting a US destroyer. On Monday a US-owned cargo ship got hit by rebel missile in Gulf of Oman.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ship-hit-by-missile-off-yemen-uk-maritime-security-agency-680257">US-owned cargo ship hit by missile off the coast of Yemen in latest attack</a>

The ongoing Israel war is threatening to revive regional enmities and analysts are expressing fears that the war may spark a wider conflict in the region.

On Friday last week, the United States, along with the UK, launched strikes on many Houthi sites in parts of Yemen held by the rebels. These strikes were carried out as retaliation to previous Houthi attacks carried out in the Red Sea.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launches-barrage-of-missile-strikes-in-iraq-and-syria-680336">Iran launches barrage of missile strikes in northern Iraq and Syria; US condemns attacks</a>

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British navy-run maritime security agency also reported an 'incident' in northwest of Saleef in Yemen. It was not immediately clear whether UKMTO was reporting the same attack previously mentioned by Ambrey.

US says seized Iranian missile parts enroute to Houthis

The US military said on Tuesday that it seized Iranian-made missile parts which were being sent to Houthi rebels. The US said that its military seized a boat in the Arabian Sea that was carrying these missile parts.

US Central Command said on X that the seized material included both ""Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missiles components". The command added that to US Navy SEALS involved with the missed were reported lost at sea and "an exhaustive search" was underway.

(With inputs from agencies)

A missile has hit a cargo ship off Yemen, said maritime risk management company Ambrey on Tuesday (January 16). The report has followed a series of attacks Yemen's Houthi rebels carried out against shipping in vital trade routes in the Red Sea.

A missile has hit a cargo ship off Yemen, said maritime risk management company Ambrey on Tuesday (January 16). The report has followed a series of attacks Yemen's Houthi rebels carried out against shipping in vital trade routes in the Red Sea. "A Malta-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier was reportedly targeted and impacted with a missile while transiting the southern Red Sea northbound," Ambrey said in an alert. The company added that the ship had visited Israel since the outbreak of Israel war. Ambrey said that the ship was headed to the Suez Canal and changed course to head to a port after it was attacked. Watch | Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to assault on commercial vessels × AFP cited a source within Greek maritime affairs ministry to say that the ship was named Zografia. The 24-crew vessel was sailing from Vietnam to Israel. The Zografia "sustained limited damage... but remains in a navigable condition, and is continuing its journey," the source said as quoted by AFP. Houthi rebels did not immediately release any official statement. The rebels have been attacking shipping in the Red Sea for quite a while now. The Houthi rebels claim that the attacks are carried out to show solidarity with people in the Gaza Strip. The rebels have attacked US-owned ships too. On Sunday, the US forces shot down a cruise missile launched by Houthi rebel. The missile was targetting a US destroyer. On Monday a US-owned cargo ship got hit by rebel missile in Gulf of Oman. Also Read | US-owned cargo ship hit by missile off the coast of Yemen in latest attack The ongoing Israel war is threatening to revive regional enmities and analysts are expressing fears that the war may spark a wider conflict in the region. On Friday last week, the United States, along with the UK, launched strikes on many Houthi sites in parts of Yemen held by the rebels. These strikes were carried out as retaliation to previous Houthi attacks carried out in the Red Sea. Also Read | Iran launches barrage of missile strikes in northern Iraq and Syria; US condemns attacks On Tuesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British navy-run maritime security agency also reported an 'incident' in northwest of Saleef in Yemen. It was not immediately clear whether UKMTO was reporting the same attack previously mentioned by Ambrey. US says seized Iranian missile parts enroute to Houthis The US military said on Tuesday that it seized Iranian-made missile parts which were being sent to Houthi rebels. The US said that its military seized a boat in the Arabian Sea that was carrying these missile parts. US Central Command said on X that the seized material included both ""Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missiles components". The command added that to US Navy SEALS involved with the missed were reported lost at sea and "an exhaustive search" was underway. (With inputs from agencies)

Missile hits cargo ship off Yemen, says maritime risk company

As tensions continue to flare up in the Red Sea, the US and UK have launched their very first strikes against Houthi-linked targets across Yemen. The Houthis now claim that five people have been killed and six wounded in the attack.

Red Sea tensions continue to simmer | US downs another Houthi missile

Fears of a regional war linger, with more countries now being involved in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. US has carried out additional strikes on Houthi-linked targets in Yemen. Earlier on Friday, US and British forces targeted nearly 30 sites with more than 150 munitions in Yemen in their first round of strikes. Houthis send warning following strikes. Watch to know more!

West Asia Crisis: Houthis send warning following US-UK strikes

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