A new airstrike hit the Yemeni Red Sea port city of Hodeida on Saturday (Jan 13), following two nights of attacks on the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This comes amid heightened tensions in the region following recent strikes by US and British forces on Houthi military sites.

<h2>Targeted strike on Houthi rocket launch site</h2>

A military source allied with the rebels, as reported by AFP,&nbsp;said&nbsp;that the strike targeted the site from which a Houthi rocket was launched on the outskirts of Hodeida.

The origin of the strike, whether from the sea or the air, remained unclear.&nbsp;

The ongoing conflict in the region has escalated with increased violence involving Iran-aligned groups in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria. The recent events, triggered by the war between the Palestinian group Hamas and Israel, have drawn in various actors, adding to the complexity of the situation.

The Houthi rebels, expressing solidarity with Gaza, have intensified their missile and drone attacks on what they claim to be Israeli-linked shipping routes in the Red Sea.

Also watch |&nbsp;Yemen's Houthis fired anti-ship missile after strikes: US

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<h2>Strategic importance of Red Sea route</h2>

The Red Sea international trade route, particularly the Bab al-Mandeb Strait between southwest Yemen and Djibouti, is of significant global importance, facilitating around 12 per cent of global trade. However, recent Houthi attacks on shipping in the region have disrupted trade flows, contributing to concerns about rising global inflation amid existing supply chain strains.

Despite the strikes by US and British forces, which aimed to "de-escalate tensions," the Houthi rebels have vowed to continue their attacks.&nbsp;

As the situation unfolds, UN chief Antonio Guterres's special envoy for Yemen has called on all involved parties to avoid actions jeopardising maritime trade and fueling regional tensions.&nbsp;

The strikes and heightened tensions in the region have broader implications for global economic and security dynamics. Oil prices experienced fluctuations, rising initially due to fears of escalation before stabilising.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-red-sea-but-a-sea-of-blood-erdogan-lashes-out-at-us-uk-air-strikes-in-yemen-679562">Also read |&nbsp;Turning Red Sea into 'sea of blood': Erdogan lashes out at US, UK air strikes in Yemen</a>

Shipping companies, including Denmark's Torm, have halted transit through the Red Sea, reflecting concerns about the security risks in the strategic waterway. Regional leaders, including Saudi Arabia, have called for self-restraint and avoiding further escalation.

In response to the airstrikes, hundreds of thousands of people, some armed with Kalashnikov assault rifles, gathered in Yemen's capital Sanaa to protest. Anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments were voiced during the demonstration, reflecting the complex political landscape in the region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new airstrike hit the Yemeni Red Sea port city of Hodeida on Saturday (Jan 13), following two nights of attacks on the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This comes amid heightened tensions in the region following recent strikes by US and British forces on Houthi military sites.

A new airstrike hit the Yemeni Red Sea port city of Hodeida on Saturday (Jan 13), following two nights of attacks on the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This comes amid heightened tensions in the region following recent strikes by US and British forces on Houthi military sites. Targeted strike on Houthi rocket launch site A military source allied with the rebels, as reported by AFP, said that the strike targeted the site from which a Houthi rocket was launched on the outskirts of Hodeida. The origin of the strike, whether from the sea or the air, remained unclear. The ongoing conflict in the region has escalated with increased violence involving Iran-aligned groups in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria. The recent events, triggered by the war between the Palestinian group Hamas and Israel, have drawn in various actors, adding to the complexity of the situation. The Houthi rebels, expressing solidarity with Gaza, have intensified their missile and drone attacks on what they claim to be Israeli-linked shipping routes in the Red Sea. Also watch | Yemen's Houthis fired anti-ship missile after strikes: US Strategic importance of Red Sea route The Red Sea international trade route, particularly the Bab al-Mandeb Strait between southwest Yemen and Djibouti, is of significant global importance, facilitating around 12 per cent of global trade. However, recent Houthi attacks on shipping in the region have disrupted trade flows, contributing to concerns about rising global inflation amid existing supply chain strains. Despite the strikes by US and British forces, which aimed to "de-escalate tensions," the Houthi rebels have vowed to continue their attacks. As the situation unfolds, UN chief Antonio Guterres's special envoy for Yemen has called on all involved parties to avoid actions jeopardising maritime trade and fueling regional tensions. The strikes and heightened tensions in the region have broader implications for global economic and security dynamics. Oil prices experienced fluctuations, rising initially due to fears of escalation before stabilising. Also read | Turning Red Sea into 'sea of blood': Erdogan lashes out at US, UK air strikes in Yemen Shipping companies, including Denmark's Torm, have halted transit through the Red Sea, reflecting concerns about the security risks in the strategic waterway. Regional leaders, including Saudi Arabia, have called for self-restraint and avoiding further escalation. In response to the airstrikes, hundreds of thousands of people, some armed with Kalashnikov assault rifles, gathered in Yemen's capital Sanaa to protest. Anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments were voiced during the demonstration, reflecting the complex political landscape in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Fresh airstrikes target Yemen’s Houthis amid escalating Red Sea tensions

The Red Sea crisis has unleashed a cascade of disruptions in global shipping. Container rates have skyrocketed for routes from India to the US and doubled or even tripled for certain European regions. Now, oil prices have surged as the US and its allies launched airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Oil prices surge: Red sea crisis hits global businesses

The escalations in the Red Sea have unleashed a cascade of disruptions in global shipping at the latest..The United-backed coalition including the United Kingdom launched airstrikes in Yemen. The Yemen authorities have now vowed vendetta..Saying that America and Britain will prepare to pay a heavy price.

What could the escalation in Red Sea cost to the world?

Houthi military on Friday (Jan 12) said that overnight air strikes carried out by the United States and the UK had claimed the lives of five of the group's fighters and injured six others.

The military spokesperson for the Yemen-based group, Yahya Sarea said that the attacks would not go unpunished or unanswered.

"As part of its support for continued Israeli crimes in Gaza, the American and British enemy launched a brutal aggression against the Republic of Yemen with 73 raids targeting the capital Sanaa and the governorates of Hodeidah, Taiz, Hajjah and Saada. The raids resulted in the fall of five martyrs and the injury of six other members of our armed forces," Sarea said.

"The American and British enemies bear full responsibility for their criminal aggression against our Yemeni people. It will not go unpunished or unanswered. The Yemeni armed forces will not hesitate to target threatening sources and all hostile targets on land and sea, in order to defend Yemen, its sovereignty and independence," he added.

He further said that the group would continue to target ships that were headed for Israel.

"The Yemeni armed forces confirm that they will continue to prevent Israeli ships going to the ports of occupied Palestine from navigation in the Arab and Red Seas."

A coalition led by the US and UK launched a total of 73 air strikes targeting Houthis in the wake of escalating attacks by the Iran-backed rebels on vessels in the Red Sea.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arrested-terror-plot-suspects-have-links-with-hamas-denmark-police-679435">Arrested terror plot suspects have links with Hamas: Denmark police</a>

<h2>'Will not tolerate attacks on our personnel', says Joe Biden</h2>

United States President Joe Biden released a statement saying that the air strikes targeting Houthis in Yemen were a "defensive action" and further warned he "will not hesitate" to give orders for further military action if required. &nbsp;

"Today, at my direction, US military forces -- together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands - successfully conducted strikes against several targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways," Biden said

"These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation," he added.

WATCH | Biden: UK, US successfully struck Houthi targets in Yemen

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&nbsp;

"I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary,” asserted the US president.

<h2>Attacks on Houthis 'necessary and proportionate', says Sunak</h2>

In a statement, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the strikes carried out on Houthi rebels in Yemen were "necessary and proportionate".

"Despite the repeated warnings from the international community, the Houthis have continued to carry out attacks in the Red Sea. We have therefore taken limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence, alongside the United States... to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping,” Sunak said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Houthi military on Friday (Jan 12) said that overnight air strikes carried out by the United States and the UK had claimed the lives of five of the group's fighters and injured six others.

Houthi military on Friday (Jan 12) said that overnight air strikes carried out by the United States and the UK had claimed the lives of five of the group's fighters and injured six others. The military spokesperson for the Yemen-based group, Yahya Sarea said that the attacks would not go unpunished or unanswered. "As part of its support for continued Israeli crimes in Gaza, the American and British enemy launched a brutal aggression against the Republic of Yemen with 73 raids targeting the capital Sanaa and the governorates of Hodeidah, Taiz, Hajjah and Saada. The raids resulted in the fall of five martyrs and the injury of six other members of our armed forces," Sarea said. "The American and British enemies bear full responsibility for their criminal aggression against our Yemeni people. It will not go unpunished or unanswered. The Yemeni armed forces will not hesitate to target threatening sources and all hostile targets on land and sea, in order to defend Yemen, its sovereignty and independence," he added. He further said that the group would continue to target ships that were headed for Israel. "The Yemeni armed forces confirm that they will continue to prevent Israeli ships going to the ports of occupied Palestine from navigation in the Arab and Red Seas." A coalition led by the US and UK launched a total of 73 air strikes targeting Houthis in the wake of escalating attacks by the Iran-backed rebels on vessels in the Red Sea. Also read: Arrested terror plot suspects have links with Hamas: Denmark police 'Will not tolerate attacks on our personnel', says Joe Biden United States President Joe Biden released a statement saying that the air strikes targeting Houthis in Yemen were a "defensive action" and further warned he "will not hesitate" to give orders for further military action if required. "Today, at my direction, US military forces -- together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands - successfully conducted strikes against several targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways," Biden said "These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation," he added. WATCH | Biden: UK, US successfully struck Houthi targets in Yemen × "I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary,” asserted the US president. Attacks on Houthis 'necessary and proportionate', says Sunak In a statement, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the strikes carried out on Houthi rebels in Yemen were "necessary and proportionate". "Despite the repeated warnings from the international community, the Houthis have continued to carry out attacks in the Red Sea. We have therefore taken limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence, alongside the United States... to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping,” Sunak said. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen's Houthis say strikes will not go 'unpunished or unanswered'

A Houthi drone boat packed with explosives detonated in the Red Sea on Thursday but failed to cause any damage or casualties, the US&nbsp;Navy said, as the Yemen-based group continued its attacks in defiance of international calls to stop.

The latest attack came one day after 12 countries including the US&nbsp;Britain and Japan issued a joint statement cautioning the Houthis of unspecified "consequences" unless it halts its attacks, in what one US&nbsp;official on Wednesday suggested was a final warning.

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have launched wave after wave of exploding drones and missiles at commercial vessels since Nov. 19, trying to inflict a cost in what they say is a protest against Israel's military operations in Gaza.

The Houthi campaign has been extraordinarily disruptive to international shipping, causing some companies to suspend transits through the Red Sea and instead take the much longer, costlier journey around Africa.

Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads US&nbsp;Naval forces in the Middle East, told reporters on Thursday that the Houthi exploding boat drove out about 50 miles (80.47 kilometres) into the Red Sea and then detonated in dense shipping lanes.

"It came within a couple of miles of ships operating in the area — merchant ships and U.S. Navy ships — and we all watched as it exploded," Cooper told reporters, adding the target of the attack was not clear.

Cooper said there have now been 25 attacks by the Houthis against merchant vessels transiting the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and added "there are no signs that their irresponsible behaviour is abating."

The repeated Houthi attacks have increased pressure on President Joe Biden to respond militarily, something his administration has been reluctant to do out of fear of escalating already soaring regional tensions.

Retired four-star Marine general Frank McKenzie, who led US&nbsp;forces in the Middle East until retiring in 2022, said the Biden administration's response to attacks in the Red Sea and against US&nbsp;troops at bases in Iraq and Syria has been too "tentative" and "unfocused."

"To reset deterrence, we must apply violence that Tehran understands," McKenzie wrote in an Op-Ed published on Thursday in the Wall Street Journal.

The United States and other countries last month launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect civilian vessels, which Cooper said now included contributions from 22 countries. So far, Cooper said US&nbsp;warships and US&nbsp;partners have shot down two cruise missiles, six anti-ship ballistic missiles and 11 drones.

On Sunday, US&nbsp;warships sank three Houthi speed boats to protect a commercial vessel from being hijacked.

A senior Biden administration official told reporters on Wednesday "if that happened again, we would probably do the exact same thing." The same official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the 12-nation statement to the Houthis was very clear.

"I would not anticipate another warning," the official said.

At the United Nations, a US&nbsp;representative told the U.N. Security Council the United States believed the situation in the Red Sea had reached an "inflection point."

Asked whether Operation Prosperity Guardian might target Houthi positions with strikes to prevent them from attacking ships, Cooper said that the 22-nation coalition was purely defensive in nature.

"Anything that happens outside of the defensive aspect of this operation is a completely different operation," he said.

The Houthis have said their attacks on commercial shipping target vessels with Israeli links or were sailing to Israel.

But many vessels have had no Israeli connection and were not bound for Israeli ports, and major shipping lines have suspended their operations through the Red Sea.

Cooper said the ships that have been attacked have direct connections to 55 countries.

"So regardless of the vessel's company ownership or its destination, these Houthi attacks are for sure destabilizing and contrary to international law and clearly … must stop immediately," Cooper said.

A Houthi drone boat packed with explosives detonated in the Red Sea on Thursday but failed to cause any damage or casualties, the US Navy said, as the Yemen-based group continued its attacks in defiance of international calls to stop.

A Houthi drone boat packed with explosives detonated in the Red Sea on Thursday but failed to cause any damage or casualties, the US Navy said, as the Yemen-based group continued its attacks in defiance of international calls to stop. The latest attack came one day after 12 countries including the US Britain and Japan issued a joint statement cautioning the Houthis of unspecified "consequences" unless it halts its attacks, in what one US official on Wednesday suggested was a final warning. The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have launched wave after wave of exploding drones and missiles at commercial vessels since Nov. 19, trying to inflict a cost in what they say is a protest against Israel's military operations in Gaza. The Houthi campaign has been extraordinarily disruptive to international shipping, causing some companies to suspend transits through the Red Sea and instead take the much longer, costlier journey around Africa. Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads US Naval forces in the Middle East, told reporters on Thursday that the Houthi exploding boat drove out about 50 miles (80.47 kilometres) into the Red Sea and then detonated in dense shipping lanes. "It came within a couple of miles of ships operating in the area — merchant ships and U.S. Navy ships — and we all watched as it exploded," Cooper told reporters, adding the target of the attack was not clear. Cooper said there have now been 25 attacks by the Houthis against merchant vessels transiting the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and added "there are no signs that their irresponsible behaviour is abating." The repeated Houthi attacks have increased pressure on President Joe Biden to respond militarily, something his administration has been reluctant to do out of fear of escalating already soaring regional tensions. Retired four-star Marine general Frank McKenzie, who led US forces in the Middle East until retiring in 2022, said the Biden administration's response to attacks in the Red Sea and against US troops at bases in Iraq and Syria has been too "tentative" and "unfocused." "To reset deterrence, we must apply violence that Tehran understands," McKenzie wrote in an Op-Ed published on Thursday in the Wall Street Journal. The United States and other countries last month launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect civilian vessels, which Cooper said now included contributions from 22 countries. So far, Cooper said US warships and US partners have shot down two cruise missiles, six anti-ship ballistic missiles and 11 drones. On Sunday, US warships sank three Houthi speed boats to protect a commercial vessel from being hijacked. A senior Biden administration official told reporters on Wednesday "if that happened again, we would probably do the exact same thing." The same official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the 12-nation statement to the Houthis was very clear. "I would not anticipate another warning," the official said. At the United Nations, a US representative told the U.N. Security Council the United States believed the situation in the Red Sea had reached an "inflection point." Asked whether Operation Prosperity Guardian might target Houthi positions with strikes to prevent them from attacking ships, Cooper said that the 22-nation coalition was purely defensive in nature. "Anything that happens outside of the defensive aspect of this operation is a completely different operation," he said. The Houthis have said their attacks on commercial shipping target vessels with Israeli links or were sailing to Israel. But many vessels have had no Israeli connection and were not bound for Israeli ports, and major shipping lines have suspended their operations through the Red Sea. Cooper said the ships that have been attacked have direct connections to 55 countries. "So regardless of the vessel's company ownership or its destination, these Houthi attacks are for sure destabilizing and contrary to international law and clearly … must stop immediately," Cooper said.

Houthi drone boat detonates in Red Sea a day after US warning

The United Nations Security Council will meet to discuss the Red Sea situation. France has assumed the presidency of UN Security Council. Watch to get more insights!

Red Sea Attacks: UN Security Council likely to meet on Red Sea situation

A US warship on Thursday (Dec 28) shot down a drone and an anti-ship ballistic projectile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the US military said in a statement.

"The USS Mason (DDG 87) shot down one drone and one anti-ship ballistic missile in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Huthis," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement, referring to a guided-missile destroyer.

"There was no damage to any of the 18 ships in the area or reported injuries," CENTCOM said, adding that it was the 22nd attempted attack on international shipping by the Huthis since mid-October.

The Houthi rebels have recently targeted vessels repeatedly in the Red Sea shipping lane amid the Israel-Hamas war in support of the Palestinians in the conflict-torn Gaza Strip.

The attacks are threatening a transit route that carries up to 12 per cent of global trade, pushing the United States to deploy a multinational naval task force earlier this month to shield Red Sea shipping.

The Treasury Department, in addition to the US military action, announced sanctions against a network believed to be involved in financing the Houthi attacks on Thursday (Dec 28).

The Treasury in a statement said that it had imposed sanctions against the chief of the Currency Exchangers Association in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, along with three exchanges in Yemen and Turkey who were responsible for "facilitating the flow of Iranian financial assistance" to the Houthis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/devastated-says-biden-as-70-year-old-american-hostage-confirmed-dead-674514">'Devastated', says Biden as 70-year-old American hostage confirmed dead</a>

The Houthi rebels say that they are targeting Israel and Israeli-linked vessels to push for a halt to the offensive in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

<h2>Spate of attacks</h2>

The Yemeni Houthis have launched a series of drone and projectile strikes targetting Israel-linked vessels after Israel started attacking&nbsp;Gaza following the Oct 7 incursion and killings by Hamas.&nbsp;

Nearly 200&nbsp;people were taken hostage in the attacks. &nbsp;

Israel in retaliation launched a counter-offensive that, as per the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, has killed at least 21,000 people, mostly women and children.

The Houthi rebels have threatened to attack any vessels heading to Israeli ports unless food and medicine are allowed into the war-torn Gaza Strip. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A US warship on Thursday (Dec 28) shot down a drone and an anti-ship ballistic projectile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the US military said in a statement.

A US warship on Thursday (Dec 28) shot down a drone and an anti-ship ballistic projectile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the US military said in a statement. "The USS Mason (DDG 87) shot down one drone and one anti-ship ballistic missile in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Huthis," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement, referring to a guided-missile destroyer. "There was no damage to any of the 18 ships in the area or reported injuries," CENTCOM said, adding that it was the 22nd attempted attack on international shipping by the Huthis since mid-October. The Houthi rebels have recently targeted vessels repeatedly in the Red Sea shipping lane amid the Israel-Hamas war in support of the Palestinians in the conflict-torn Gaza Strip. The attacks are threatening a transit route that carries up to 12 per cent of global trade, pushing the United States to deploy a multinational naval task force earlier this month to shield Red Sea shipping. The Treasury Department, in addition to the US military action, announced sanctions against a network believed to be involved in financing the Houthi attacks on Thursday (Dec 28). The Treasury in a statement said that it had imposed sanctions against the chief of the Currency Exchangers Association in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, along with three exchanges in Yemen and Turkey who were responsible for "facilitating the flow of Iranian financial assistance" to the Houthis. Also read: 'Devastated', says Biden as 70-year-old American hostage confirmed dead The Houthi rebels say that they are targeting Israel and Israeli-linked vessels to push for a halt to the offensive in the besieged Palestinian enclave. Spate of attacks The Yemeni Houthis have launched a series of drone and projectile strikes targetting Israel-linked vessels after Israel started attacking Gaza following the Oct 7 incursion and killings by Hamas. Nearly 200 people were taken hostage in the attacks. Israel in retaliation launched a counter-offensive that, as per the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, has killed at least 21,000 people, mostly women and children. The Houthi rebels have threatened to attack any vessels heading to Israeli ports unless food and medicine are allowed into the war-torn Gaza Strip. (With inputs from agencies)

US warship shoots down drone, anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maersk sees Red Sea shipping chaos lasting for months

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gravitas | Houthis target cargo ship in the Red Sea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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