Militant group Hezbollah promised to retaliate against Israel after accusing it of detonating pagers across Lebanon on Tuesday, killing nine people and wounding nearly 3,000 others including fighters and Iran's envoy to Beirut.

Lebanon Pager Blasts: What type of Pager exploded? Theories circulating

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Militant group Hezbollah promised to retaliate against Israel after accusing it of detonating pagers across Lebanon on Tuesday, killing ten people and wounding nearly 3,000 others including fighters and Iran's envoy to Beirut.

Lebanon Pager Blasts: 10 killed in Pager blasts across Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday announced the deaths of four Israeli soldiers and the injury of several others during fighting in the southern Gaza Strip a day prior.

Israel-Hamas war: Four IDF personnel including a captain killed in fighting

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reported plan to replace Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with New Hope chair Gideon Sa'ar in the middle of the war in Gaza and as Israel is on the brink of a full-on war with Hezbollah “would be crazy,” a US official tells reporters.

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Gallant to be removed as defence minister?

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Reports say PM Netanyahu planning to fire Gallant

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Will Netanyahu fire Yoav Gallant?

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: US says it will be crazy to replace Gallant

Yemen's Houthis released a video of downing a U.S. drone in the airspace of Dhamar province. Additional footage released by the Iran-aligned group showed people at the site where the downed drone landed, salvaging and carrying away pieces of the debris from the wreckage. U.S. MQ-9 drone was shot down by a locally-made surface-to-air missile: Houthi military spokesman. Watch in for more details!

Yemen's Houthis say they downed a U.S. drone over Dhamar province

After launching what they claim was hypersonic long range surface to surface missiles towards Israel on Sunday. Yemen's Houthi rebels have revealed the 'Palestine 2' rocket. The rebel group claims to have used the same rocket in Sunday strike. Watch in for more details!

Yemen's Houthis unveil new hypersonic missile 'Palestine 2' following attack on Israel

Southern Israel is seeing a rise in so-called dark tourism as an increasing number of people are visiting sites hit by the October 7 attack, which was Israel's deadliest day and the worst killing of Jews since the Holocaust. Dark tourism involves travel to places associated with death and tragedy, including war museums or tombs.

Israel bears scars of Oct 7th attack, surge in visitors at attack sites in southern Israel

The war in Gaza has destroyed thousands of homes forcing people to live under the open sky. Now as the rainy season appears, rainfall will bring misery to those housed in worn out makeshift tents.

Gaza: People are vulnerable to diseases

The Houthis have struck the heart of Israel. According to the Houthi military spokesman, the group used a new hypersonic ballistic missile. Saudi Arabia wants more to be done to constrain weapons supply to Houthis. How will Israel react to the latest attack?

Houthis strike heart of Israel, say new hypersonic ballistic missile used in attack

Yemen's Houthi Rebels claim to have shot down another American made MQ9 reaper drone. A video circulating online shows what appears to be a surface to air missile strike and flaming wreckage strawn across the ground.

Houthi rebels claim to have shot down US-made MQ-9 Reaper drone

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would inflict a "heavy price" on the Iran-aligned Houthis who control northern Yemen, after they reached central Israel with a missile on Sunday for the first time.

Israel-Houthi tensions | Israel missiles failed to intercept our missiles: Houthis

The Israeli military said a missile fired from Yemen crossed into central Israel on Sunday and "fell in an open area".

The army said in a statement that "a surface-to-surface missile was identified crossing into central Israel from the East and fell in an open area. No injuries were reported."

"The missile was fired from Yemen," it added in a subsequent statement sent just before 7:00 am (0400 GMT).&nbsp;

"The explosive sounds heard in the last few minutes are from the interceptors. The result of the interception is under review."

Yemen's Houthi rebels have been launching attacks against Israel and its interests in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-3-killed-and-87-injured-as-israeli-airstrikes-hit-yemen-742714">Also read |&nbsp;Israeli military intercepts missile fired from Yemen</a>

The rebels belong to Iran's so-called "axis of resistance", which includes Tehran-backed militant groups in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.

Since November, the Huthis have launched a flurry of missile and drone strikes on Israel-linked shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israelis-continue-demand-for-return-of-hostages-758752">Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israelis continue demand for return of hostages</a>

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And in July, they carried out a drone attack on Tel Aviv that killed an Israeli civilian.

Israeli warplanes bombed the Huthi-controlled Yemeni port of Hodeida in response, with a rebel official vowing at the time to "meet escalation with escalation".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Israeli military said a missile fired from Yemen crossed into central Israel on Sunday and "fell in an open area". The army said in a statement that "a surface-to-surface missile was identified crossing into central Israel from the East and fell in an open area.

The Israeli military said a missile fired from Yemen crossed into central Israel on Sunday and "fell in an open area". The army said in a statement that "a surface-to-surface missile was identified crossing into central Israel from the East and fell in an open area. No injuries were reported." "The missile was fired from Yemen," it added in a subsequent statement sent just before 7:00 am (0400 GMT). "The explosive sounds heard in the last few minutes are from the interceptors. The result of the interception is under review." Yemen's Houthi rebels have been launching attacks against Israel and its interests in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Also read | Israeli military intercepts missile fired from Yemen The rebels belong to Iran's so-called "axis of resistance", which includes Tehran-backed militant groups in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. Since November, the Huthis have launched a flurry of missile and drone strikes on Israel-linked shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Israelis continue demand for return of hostages × And in July, they carried out a drone attack on Tel Aviv that killed an Israeli civilian. Israeli warplanes bombed the Huthi-controlled Yemeni port of Hodeida in response, with a rebel official vowing at the time to "meet escalation with escalation". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Missile fired by Houthi rebels from Yemen falls in central Israel, says military

The Israel Defense Forces announced on Friday that troops operating in Gaza had recovered the bodies of two soldiers and one civilian hostage who were taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7. The military also announced the deaths of three more soldiers as heavy fighting continued in the Strip.

Israel-Hamas war: IDF admits strikes caused hostage deaths

Israel admits strikes caused hostage deaths, bodies recovered nine months ago

Israel missiles failed to intercept our missiles: Houthis

US forces in the Middle East have destroyed Houthi drones in Yemen in the past 24 hours, the military said Friday. Separately, forces with the U.S. Central Command destroyed three uncrewed Houthi surface vessels operating on the Yemeni coast, CENTCOM said.

US: Struck multiple Houthi drones across Yemen

A fighter pilot in the United States (US) Navy has become the first American woman to score a victory in air-to-air combat. A report by CNN on Monday (July 22) said that the pilot was not identified.

A fighter pilot in the United States (US) Navy has become the first American woman to score a victory in air-to-air combat. A report by CNN on Monday (July 22) said that the pilot was not identified. The pilot was flying an F/A-18 Super Hornet off the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D Eisenhower as part of Strike Fighter Squadron 32, nicknamed the “Flying Swordsmen.” The air-to-air combat victory came against a one-way Houthi attack drone in the Red Sea, one of dozens the Yemen-based group has deployed against civilian merchant ships in the region and nearby waters in reaction to the ongoing Gaza war, CNN reported citing the Carrier Strike Group 2. Over 20 missiles fired against Houthi drones The Swordsmen, one of four strike fighter squadrons deployed on the Eisenhower, fired over 20 air-to-air missiles against the Houthi drones during the missions, the navy said. Also read | US Navy veteran accused of crashing into FBI office has an online history linked to QAnon: Reports During one such mission, the VFA-32 became home to the first US female pilot to engage and kill in air-to-air combat. A historic service The Flying Swordsmen finished its deployment earlier this month and returned to the Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach on July 14. The navy called the squadron's service historic. In a statement, Commander Jason Hoch, the commanding officer of the squadron, said, "The success of the entire squadron over the past nine months is a testament to all the members of the command and their friends and family at home that support them." "I couldn't be prouder of the Swordsmen's performance day-in and day-out in incredibly demanding conditions," Hoch added. (With inputs from agencies)

US Navy fighter pilot becomes first American woman to score air-to-air victory

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

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

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

Israeli military intercepts missile fired from Yemen

A&nbsp;drone&nbsp;claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels slipped through Israel's vaunted air defence system on Friday to hit a Tel Aviv building near a US embassy annexe, killing a civilian.

The Houthis&nbsp;fired at Tel Aviv a "new&nbsp;drone&nbsp;called 'Yafa', which is capable of bypassing the enemy's interception systems," said Yahya Saree, the Iran-backed Yemeni movement's spokesman.

The Houthis have targeted shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with numerous&nbsp;drone&nbsp;and missile attacks since November, citing solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

They have previously claimed attacks on Israeli cities including Ashdod, Haifa and Eilat, but Friday's strike appears to be the first to breach Israel's intricate air defences.

It comes after the rebels threatened an escalation.

An Israeli military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a "very big&nbsp;drone&nbsp;that can travel long distances" was used in the 3:12 am (0012 GMT) attack.

The&nbsp;drone&nbsp;was detected, he said, but due to "human error" the alarm was not raised in time, and it slammed into an apartment building.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-presence-in-palestinian-territories-illegal-rules-top-un-court-742450">Israel’s presence in Palestinian territories illegal, rules top UN court</a>

Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israel believed the&nbsp;drone&nbsp;used was Iranian-made and upgraded so it could reach Tel Aviv from Yemen -- at least 1,800 kilometres (1,100 miles) away.

It was "likely a Samad-3 model, which we estimate was launched from Yemen and reached Tel Aviv," he said, adding one civilian was killed and others lightly injured. Medical services said four people suffered "relatively minor" injuries.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant vowed to avenge the&nbsp;drone&nbsp;attack.

"The security system will settle the score with all who try to harm the state of Israel, or sends terrorism against it, in a decisive and surprising manner," he said in comments released on social media platform X.

<h2>'Everything blew out'&nbsp;</h2>

In grainy security camera footage, the buzz of what appeared to be the&nbsp;drone&nbsp;was followed by an explosion that shook the building and set off car alarms.

The blast occurred about 100 metres (yards) from a US embassy annexe, said an AFP journalist who saw broken windows along the street lined with apartment blocks.

"It woke me up because the vibration of the sound was like a 747 coming in," said Kenneth Davis, an Israeli who was staying in a hotel opposite the struck building.

"And then the explosion... everything blew out in the room, the windows and things from the ceiling, and it was on me, nothing heavy, but lots of pieces of stuff," he told AFPTV.

Hagari said Israel "intercepted another&nbsp;UAV&nbsp;trying to infiltrate from the east" at around the same time as the Tel Aviv attack.

"We are investigating why the&nbsp;UAV&nbsp;was not identified as a threat and intercepted before it struck," he said. "I want to emphasise that (Israel's air) defence is not impenetrable."

In recent weeks, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups, has claimed&nbsp;drone&nbsp;strikes against targets in Israel, labelling many of them "joint operations" with the Houthis.

The United States and Britain launched a campaign of air strikes in January to deter Houthi attacks on ships.

The Gaza war was triggered by the October 7 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on southern Israel which resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

The militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom are still in Gaza, including 42 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's military retaliation to wipe out Hamas has killed at least 38,848 people, also mostly civilians, according to data from the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, where fighting raged on Friday.

<h2>'Moral stain'</h2>

Residents said clashes were heard between Palestinian fighters and the Israeli army, with explosions and shelling in the Tal al-Hawa district of Gaza City.

The war has destroyed much of Gaza's housing and other infrastructure, leaving almost all the population displaced, short of food and drinking water.

Many are living in unsanitary conditions. Health authorities in Gaza and Israel said on Thursday that a highly infectious polio virus has been detected in Gaza sewage samples.

The World Health Organization said on Friday however that so far no cases of polio had been discovered in Gaza.

"The humanitarian situation... is a moral stain on us all," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that, despite mounting pressure both at home and from abroad, there would be no let-up in Israel's campaign against Hamas.

Far-right members of his governing coalition oppose a truce deal, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir who on Thursday said Netanyahu must not make a "surrender" accord with Hamas.

Netanyahu is set to address the US Congress next Wednesday.

Ahead of his trip, Israeli lawmakers passed a symbolic resolution opposing the creation of a Palestinian state -- a move criticised by the United Nations and one that clashes with US ambitions for the region.

Despite the vote, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterated "our firm belief in the power and the promise of the two-state solution".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

A drone claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels slipped through Israel's vaunted air defence system on Friday to hit a Tel Aviv building near a US embassy annexe, killing a civilian.

A drone claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels slipped through Israel's vaunted air defence system on Friday to hit a Tel Aviv building near a US embassy annexe, killing a civilian. The Houthis fired at Tel Aviv a "new drone called 'Yafa', which is capable of bypassing the enemy's interception systems," said Yahya Saree, the Iran-backed Yemeni movement's spokesman. The Houthis have targeted shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with numerous drone and missile attacks since November, citing solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. They have previously claimed attacks on Israeli cities including Ashdod, Haifa and Eilat, but Friday's strike appears to be the first to breach Israel's intricate air defences. It comes after the rebels threatened an escalation. An Israeli military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a "very big drone that can travel long distances" was used in the 3:12 am (0012 GMT) attack. The drone was detected, he said, but due to "human error" the alarm was not raised in time, and it slammed into an apartment building. Also read: Israel’s presence in Palestinian territories illegal, rules top UN court Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israel believed the drone used was Iranian-made and upgraded so it could reach Tel Aviv from Yemen -- at least 1,800 kilometres (1,100 miles) away. It was "likely a Samad-3 model, which we estimate was launched from Yemen and reached Tel Aviv," he said, adding one civilian was killed and others lightly injured. Medical services said four people suffered "relatively minor" injuries. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant vowed to avenge the drone attack. "The security system will settle the score with all who try to harm the state of Israel, or sends terrorism against it, in a decisive and surprising manner," he said in comments released on social media platform X. 'Everything blew out' In grainy security camera footage, the buzz of what appeared to be the drone was followed by an explosion that shook the building and set off car alarms. The blast occurred about 100 metres (yards) from a US embassy annexe, said an AFP journalist who saw broken windows along the street lined with apartment blocks. "It woke me up because the vibration of the sound was like a 747 coming in," said Kenneth Davis, an Israeli who was staying in a hotel opposite the struck building. "And then the explosion... everything blew out in the room, the windows and things from the ceiling, and it was on me, nothing heavy, but lots of pieces of stuff," he told AFPTV. Hagari said Israel "intercepted another UAV trying to infiltrate from the east" at around the same time as the Tel Aviv attack. "We are investigating why the UAV was not identified as a threat and intercepted before it struck," he said. "I want to emphasise that (Israel's air) defence is not impenetrable." In recent weeks, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups, has claimed drone strikes against targets in Israel, labelling many of them "joint operations" with the Houthis. The United States and Britain launched a campaign of air strikes in January to deter Houthi attacks on ships. The Gaza war was triggered by the October 7 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on southern Israel which resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. The militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom are still in Gaza, including 42 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's military retaliation to wipe out Hamas has killed at least 38,848 people, also mostly civilians, according to data from the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, where fighting raged on Friday. 'Moral stain' Residents said clashes were heard between Palestinian fighters and the Israeli army, with explosions and shelling in the Tal al-Hawa district of Gaza City. The war has destroyed much of Gaza's housing and other infrastructure, leaving almost all the population displaced, short of food and drinking water. Many are living in unsanitary conditions. Health authorities in Gaza and Israel said on Thursday that a highly infectious polio virus has been detected in Gaza sewage samples. The World Health Organization said on Friday however that so far no cases of polio had been discovered in Gaza. "The humanitarian situation... is a moral stain on us all," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that, despite mounting pressure both at home and from abroad, there would be no let-up in Israel's campaign against Hamas. Far-right members of his governing coalition oppose a truce deal, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir who on Thursday said Netanyahu must not make a "surrender" accord with Hamas. Netanyahu is set to address the US Congress next Wednesday. Ahead of his trip, Israeli lawmakers passed a symbolic resolution opposing the creation of a Palestinian state -- a move criticised by the United Nations and one that clashes with US ambitions for the region. Despite the vote, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterated "our firm belief in the power and the promise of the two-state solution". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

One killed, several injured after drone attack on Tel Aviv; Houthis claim responsibility for strike

American forces on Wednesday (June 19) announced that they have destroyed two Houthi rebel sites in Yemen following a spate of ship attacks by the rebel group.&nbsp;

"USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one ground control station and one command-and-control node," in a Houthi area of Yemen, the military command announced on X. CENTCOM also took out two Houthi "uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea" within the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Previously, on Tuesday, CENTCOM reported destroying eight Houthi drones.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-rebels-believed-to-have-sunk-second-ship-in-red-sea-after-deadly-attack-733091">Yemen’s Houthi rebels believed to have sunk second ship in Red Sea after deadly attack</a>

Meanwhile, the MV Tutor, a merchant ship left abandoned after a Houthi attack last week, is believed to have sunk, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The ship, Liberia-flagged and owned by the Greeks, was hit by a sea drone and aerial projectile on June 12. A Filipino crew member&nbsp;believed to have been in the ship's engine room at the time of the attack was reportedly killed.

"Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the (Tutor's) last reported location," said the UKMTO in a security update.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-owned-coal-carrier-attacked-by-yemeni-houthi-militants-731997/embed" width="560"></iframe>

It added, "The vessel is believed to have sunk."

Just a couple of months back, on March 2, a Houthi attack led to the sinking of the UK-owned Rubymar. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>US and UK seek to weaken Houthis</h2>

The Houthis have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023. These attacks, they claim, are in support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crew-abandons-cargo-ship-hit-in-missile-attack-by-houthi-rebels-us-military-732137">Crew abandons cargo ship hit in missile attack by Houthi rebels: US military</a>

In response to the attacks, the United States and the United Kingdom have launched strikes to weaken the Iran-backed rebels' attack capabilities. Additionally, as per AFP, an international effort has been trying to intercept drones and missiles fired at ships.

Since November, the Houthis, at war with a Saudi-led coalition after ousting the government from Sanaa in 2014, have launched numerous drone and missile attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These attacks have driven up insurance costs for transiting vessels, causing many shipping firms to take the longer route around Africa's southern tip.

(With inputs from agencies)

American forces on Wednesday (June 19) announced that they have destroyed two Houthi rebel sites in Yemen following a spate of ship attacks by the rebel group. "USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one ground control station and one command-and-control node," in a Houthi area of Yemen, the military command announced on X.

American forces on Wednesday (June 19) announced that they have destroyed two Houthi rebel sites in Yemen following a spate of ship attacks by the rebel group. "USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one ground control station and one command-and-control node," in a Houthi area of Yemen, the military command announced on X. CENTCOM also took out two Houthi "uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea" within the last 24 hours. Previously, on Tuesday, CENTCOM reported destroying eight Houthi drones. Also read | Yemen’s Houthi rebels believed to have sunk second ship in Red Sea after deadly attack Meanwhile, the MV Tutor, a merchant ship left abandoned after a Houthi attack last week, is believed to have sunk, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The ship, Liberia-flagged and owned by the Greeks, was hit by a sea drone and aerial projectile on June 12. A Filipino crew member believed to have been in the ship's engine room at the time of the attack was reportedly killed. "Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the (Tutor's) last reported location," said the UKMTO in a security update. It added, "The vessel is believed to have sunk." Just a couple of months back, on March 2, a Houthi attack led to the sinking of the UK-owned Rubymar. US and UK seek to weaken Houthis The Houthis have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023. These attacks, they claim, are in support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war. Also read | Crew abandons cargo ship hit in missile attack by Houthi rebels: US military In response to the attacks, the United States and the United Kingdom have launched strikes to weaken the Iran-backed rebels' attack capabilities. Additionally, as per AFP, an international effort has been trying to intercept drones and missiles fired at ships. Since November, the Houthis, at war with a Saudi-led coalition after ousting the government from Sanaa in 2014, have launched numerous drone and missile attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These attacks have driven up insurance costs for transiting vessels, causing many shipping firms to take the longer route around Africa's southern tip. (With inputs from agencies)

US forces destroy two Houthi targets in Yemen amid Red Sea ship attacks

The Iranian-backed Yemen-based Houthi militants are believed to have sunk a second ship in the Red Sea named the Tutor after allegedly killing one sailor on board, said media reports citing officials, on Wednesday (Jun 19).&nbsp;

<h2>Tutor&nbsp;'believed to have sunk'</h2>

Last week, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned-and-operated, Tutor coal carrier was attacked and taking on water.&nbsp;

“Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the (Tutor’s) last reported location,” said the UKMTO in a security update. It added, “The vessel is believed to have sunk.”

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The attack and sinking of the bulk carrier marks what appears to be a new escalation by the Houthis who have been targeting shipping through the vital maritime corridor ever&nbsp;since the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas began in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Deadly attack by militant group</h2>

The Tutor came under attack on June 12. The vessel, as per reports, was struck by missiles and an explosive-laden remote-controlled boat.&nbsp;

One of the crew members, who is believed to have been in the ship’s engine room at the time of the attack, remains missing, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

White House national security spokesman, John Kirby, on Monday (Jun 17) said that the attack killed “a crew member who hailed from the Philippines.” Manila has yet to confirm or acknowledge the reported death.&nbsp;

<h2>Houthis continue to attack in Red Sea</h2>

If confirmed,&nbsp;Tutor would be the second ship sunk by the Houthis,&nbsp;months&nbsp;after their attacks led to the sinking of the UK-owned Rubymar. The ship went down on March 2, about two weeks after being targeted by missiles.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crew-abandons-cargo-ship-hit-in-missile-attack-by-houthi-rebels-us-military-732137">Crew abandons cargo ship hit in missile attack by Houthi rebels: US military</a>

Last week, the crew on board M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged ship, was forced to abandon the vessel after they were unable to contain a fire sparked due to a missile attack by the Houthis in the Gulf of Aden.&nbsp;

The ship, which was reportedly loaded with wood construction material, had also sustained damage and is now drifting and vulnerable to sinking or further assaults.

Since the beginning of their campaign, which the Houthis claim is in support of the Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing war, the militant group has seized vessels and killed three sailors in separate attacks.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Iranian-backed Yemen-based Houthi militants are believed to have sunk a second ship in the Red Sea named the Tutor after allegedly killing one sailor on board, said media reports citing officials, on Wednesday (Jun 19).

The Iranian-backed Yemen-based Houthi militants are believed to have sunk a second ship in the Red Sea named the Tutor after allegedly killing one sailor on board, said media reports citing officials, on Wednesday (Jun 19). Tutor 'believed to have sunk' Last week, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned-and-operated, Tutor coal carrier was attacked and taking on water. “Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the (Tutor’s) last reported location,” said the UKMTO in a security update. It added, “The vessel is believed to have sunk.” The attack and sinking of the bulk carrier marks what appears to be a new escalation by the Houthis who have been targeting shipping through the vital maritime corridor ever since the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas began in Gaza. Deadly attack by militant group The Tutor came under attack on June 12. The vessel, as per reports, was struck by missiles and an explosive-laden remote-controlled boat. One of the crew members, who is believed to have been in the ship’s engine room at the time of the attack, remains missing, reported Reuters. White House national security spokesman, John Kirby, on Monday (Jun 17) said that the attack killed “a crew member who hailed from the Philippines.” Manila has yet to confirm or acknowledge the reported death. Houthis continue to attack in Red Sea If confirmed, Tutor would be the second ship sunk by the Houthis, months after their attacks led to the sinking of the UK-owned Rubymar. The ship went down on March 2, about two weeks after being targeted by missiles. Also Read | Crew abandons cargo ship hit in missile attack by Houthi rebels: US military Last week, the crew on board M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged ship, was forced to abandon the vessel after they were unable to contain a fire sparked due to a missile attack by the Houthis in the Gulf of Aden. The ship, which was reportedly loaded with wood construction material, had also sustained damage and is now drifting and vulnerable to sinking or further assaults. Since the beginning of their campaign, which the Houthis claim is in support of the Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing war, the militant group has seized vessels and killed three sailors in separate attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen’s Houthi rebels believed to have sunk second ship in Red Sea after deadly attack

Headlines of the hour: - Rivals not ready to govern: Macron - Houthi attacks damage bulk carrier - Six killed in Belgorod attack - Heatwave conditions continues in North India - Giant Maga cake for Trump's birthday - PM Modi puts G7 focus on global South

Houthi attacks damage bulk carrier | PM Modi puts focus on global South

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday (June 12) that it had destroyed two anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) launchers operated by Houthi forces in Yemen.

In a recent operation, US forces destroyed Houthi missile launchers posing a direct threat to American and allied troops, as well as commercial ships navigating the Red Sea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-some-changes-proposed-by-hamas-in-ceasefire-deal-unworkable-will-try-to-close-the-deal-731261">US says some changes proposed by Hamas in ceasefire deal 'unworkable'</a>

This action comes amidst the ongoing blockade imposed by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The CENTCOM took to social media to announce the destruction of the missile launcher.&nbsp;

On X, they wrote, “In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed three anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) launchers in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen and one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) launched from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen over the Red Sea.”

“Additionally, one Iranian-backed Houthi unmanned surface vessel (USV) struck M/V Tutor, a Liberian flagged, Greek owned and operated vessel, in the Red Sea. M/V Tutor most recently docked in Russia. The impact of the USV caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room," the post further said.

However, there were no injuries or damage reported by either US, coalition&nbsp;or commercial ships.

This continued malign and reckless behaviour by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-owned-ship-reportedly-bound-to-india-damaged-by-small-vessel-in-red-sea-731218">Greek-owned ship, reportedly bound to India, damaged by small vessel in Red Sea</a>

“The aggressive actions have precipitated a series of retaliatory strikes by US and British forces since February as the conflict expanded to affect broader international shipping interests,” CENTCOM said.

It may be mentioned here, the Houthis’ actions have rigorously disrupted global shipping, impacting at least half of the world's cargo flow through the critical Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden.

As a result, many shipping companies have been forced to reroute their cargo around southern Africa, significantly increasing global shipping times and costs.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday (June 12) that it had destroyed two anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) launchers operated by Houthi forces in Yemen.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday (June 12) that it had destroyed two anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) launchers operated by Houthi forces in Yemen. In a recent operation, US forces destroyed Houthi missile launchers posing a direct threat to American and allied troops, as well as commercial ships navigating the Red Sea. Also read: US says some changes proposed by Hamas in ceasefire deal 'unworkable' This action comes amidst the ongoing blockade imposed by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The CENTCOM took to social media to announce the destruction of the missile launcher. On X, they wrote, “In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed three anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) launchers in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen and one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) launched from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen over the Red Sea.” “Additionally, one Iranian-backed Houthi unmanned surface vessel (USV) struck M/V Tutor, a Liberian flagged, Greek owned and operated vessel, in the Red Sea. M/V Tutor most recently docked in Russia. The impact of the USV caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room," the post further said. However, there were no injuries or damage reported by either US, coalition or commercial ships. This continued malign and reckless behaviour by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Also read: Greek-owned ship, reportedly bound to India, damaged by small vessel in Red Sea “The aggressive actions have precipitated a series of retaliatory strikes by US and British forces since February as the conflict expanded to affect broader international shipping interests,” CENTCOM said. It may be mentioned here, the Houthis’ actions have rigorously disrupted global shipping, impacting at least half of the world's cargo flow through the critical Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden. As a result, many shipping companies have been forced to reroute their cargo around southern Africa, significantly increasing global shipping times and costs. (With inputs from agencies)

US forces strike missile launchers in Yemen

Yemen's Houthis launched a missile attack in the direction of the U.S. aircraft carrier Eisenhower in the Red Sea in response to U.S. and British strikes on Yemen, the Iranian-backed group's military spokesperson Yahya Saree said on Friday.

A U.S. defense official told Reuters they were not aware of any attack on the Eisenhower. 
Six U.S. and British strikes have killed 16 people and wounded 41, including civilians, Saree said in a televised statement.

Strikes on the province of Hodeidah targeted the port of Salif, a radio building in Al-Hawk district, Ghalifa camp and two houses, Saree said.

Watch: Yemen's Houthi rebels claim shooting down of American drone

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The U.S. and British militaries said they launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on Thursday to deter the militant group from further disrupting shipping in the Red Sea.

The U.S. Central Command said U.S. and British forces had hit 13 targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The British defence ministry said the joint operation targeted three locations in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, which it said housed drones and surface-to-air weapons.

"As ever, the utmost care was taken in planning the strikes to minimise any risk to civilians or non-military infrastructure," the British defence ministry said.

"Conducting the strikes in the hours of darkness should also have mitigated yet further any such risks." 
Houthi spokesperson Mohamed Abdelsalam said the strikes were a "brutal aggression" against Yemen as punishment for its support of Gaza.

Iran condemned the strikes as "violations of Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity..., international laws and human rights", Iranian state media reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwje8t_qtriGAxXtS2wGHSj5AYgQxfQBKAB6BAgWEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-confirms-houthi-cruise-missile-entered-israeli-territory-for-the-first-time-702227" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-confirms-houthi-cruise-missile-entered-israeli-territory-for-the-first-time-702227&amp;ved=2ahUKEwje8t_qtriGAxXtS2wGHSj5AYgQxfQBKAB6BAgWEAE">Houthis claim missile attack on Israel, IDF confirms “suspicious aerial target” hit port town Eilat</a>

"The aggressor U.S. and British governments are responsible for the consequences of these crimes against the Yemeni people," Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said.

The Houthis, who control Yemen's capital and most populous areas, have attacked international shipping in the Red Sea region since November in solidarity with the Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas, drawing retaliatory U.S. and British strikes since February.

Yemen's Houthis launched a missile attack in the direction of the U.S. aircraft carrier Eisenhower in the Red Sea in response to U.S. and British strikes on Yemen, the Iranian-backed group's military spokesperson Yahya Saree said on Friday.

Yemen's Houthis launched a missile attack in the direction of the U.S. aircraft carrier Eisenhower in the Red Sea in response to U.S. and British strikes on Yemen, the Iranian-backed group's military spokesperson Yahya Saree said on Friday. A U.S. defense official told Reuters they were not aware of any attack on the Eisenhower. Six U.S. and British strikes have killed 16 people and wounded 41, including civilians, Saree said in a televised statement. Strikes on the province of Hodeidah targeted the port of Salif, a radio building in Al-Hawk district, Ghalifa camp and two houses, Saree said. Watch: Yemen's Houthi rebels claim shooting down of American drone × The U.S. and British militaries said they launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on Thursday to deter the militant group from further disrupting shipping in the Red Sea. The U.S. Central Command said U.S. and British forces had hit 13 targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The British defence ministry said the joint operation targeted three locations in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, which it said housed drones and surface-to-air weapons. "As ever, the utmost care was taken in planning the strikes to minimise any risk to civilians or non-military infrastructure," the British defence ministry said. "Conducting the strikes in the hours of darkness should also have mitigated yet further any such risks." Houthi spokesperson Mohamed Abdelsalam said the strikes were a "brutal aggression" against Yemen as punishment for its support of Gaza. Iran condemned the strikes as "violations of Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity..., international laws and human rights", Iranian state media reported. Also read: Houthis claim missile attack on Israel, IDF confirms “suspicious aerial target” hit port town Eilat "The aggressor U.S. and British governments are responsible for the consequences of these crimes against the Yemeni people," Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said. The Houthis, who control Yemen's capital and most populous areas, have attacked international shipping in the Red Sea region since November in solidarity with the Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas, drawing retaliatory U.S. and British strikes since February.

Houthis claim to launch missile attack on US aircraft carrier in Red Sea

According to marine security firm Ambrey, on Saturday, a missile struck a crude oil tanker near the coast of Mokha, in southwest Yemen, which is located across the strategic Bab Al-Mandeb strait.

According to marine security firm Ambrey, on Saturday, a missile struck a crude oil tanker near the coast of Mokha, in southwest Yemen, which is located across the strategic Bab Al-Mandeb strait. "A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker was reportedly 'attacked'" about 10 nautical miles southwest of Mokha, Ambrey said. The firm added that information "indicated the vessel was hit by a missile and that there was a fire" in the ship's rear. Later, the company stated that it had "received information indicating that the tanker had received assistance. One of the steering units of the vessel was reportedly functional.” Also read: Yemen’s Houthis claim to have targeted US warship and vessel ‘Destiny’ in Red Sea The marine security department of the British navy previously reported that it had received a report of a vessel that was "sustaining slight damage after being struck by an unknown object." “The vessel and crew are safe and continuing to its next port of call,” United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) added. It did not state what kind of vessel was involved, only that it happened 98 nautical miles (180 kilometers) south of Hodeidah, Yemen. Also read: Container ship en route to Jeddah attacked with three missiles near Yemen’s port city Mokha Since November, the Houthi rebels, who hold sway over a large portion of Yemen and are backed by Iran, have attacked many ships in the Red Sea and surrounding areas. They claim that their actions are a show of support for the Palestinian people in Gaza, which is devastated by conflict. In response to the attacks by Houthi rebels, US and British military launched retaliatory strikes and formed an international alliance to safeguard the crucial trade routes that cross the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Houthis strike Panamanian-flagged tanker with missile near Yemen coast

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis claimed to have shot down a US MQ9 drone over the southeastern province of Maareb on Thursday evening, according to the group's military spokesman on Friday.

Yemen's Houthi rebels claim shooting down of American drone

While drones have revolutionised the battlefield, it is the rise and proliferation of rockets and missiles that has impacted the battlefield and geostrategic statecraft. Their widespread employment in conjunction with traditional artillery and aircraft is the new battlefield paradigm. The global inventory of rockets and missiles has expanded geometrically. Firepower has changed drastically as rockets and missiles have been employed as geopolitical tools of coercion, as conventional weapons in battle and as a tool of power by non-state actors. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>The Geopolitical Tools of Coercion</h2>

North Korea pioneered provocative testing cum demonstrative firings of missiles and rockets as geopolitical tools of coercion since the late 70s. Initially, North Korean missiles had 50% failures. Current failure rates are only around 15%. As missile reliability improved, the North Korean threat has increased. In 2024, North Korea tested a cruise missile and IRBMs with hypersonic glide capability thrice. It keeps threatening the United States, South Korea and Japan through such firings. North Korea keeps firing a mix of unguided rockets, guided missiles and cruise missiles to keep the Eastern Pacific destabilised. It also conveys nuclear ambiguity through missile testing. It even fires conventional rockets mixed with tube artillery near inhabited areas to explicitly threaten and coerce South Korea. &nbsp;

China has a vast array of modern missiles and rockets. The PLARF is the largest ground-based missile force on earth. China regularly carries out large-scale rocket and missile firing demonstratively along with naval and air exercises to threaten and coerce Taiwan. The larger message is to demonstrate China’s resolve and capability to annex Taiwan, fight and win wars and project power globally. China uses the PLARF to convey its credibility and capabilities of nuclear deterrence and counterattack, strengthen intermediate and long-range precision strike forces, and enhance strategic counter-balance capability. It is a potent threat to China’s neighbours and adversaries. It also gives the PLA the ability to influence local, regional, and global military conflicts. In simple terms, it is geopolitical coercion on a global scale.&nbsp;

<h2>Rockets and Missiles in Conventional Battles</h2>

The &nbsp;Armenia and Azerbaijan conflict indicated how conventional wars will be fought using rockets, missiles, drones, and artillery. While its highlight was the extensive use of drones to complement conventional artillery, it also featured the heavy use of missiles and rocket artillery. This aspect has largely gone unnoticed. &nbsp;Both sides deployed and employed a range of rockets and missiles. These were a combination of legacy systems of the USSR era as also modern systems procured from different sources individually. Azerbaijan invested more into its rocket and missile arsenal to include guided rockets and MLRS systems to engage targets up to 200 km in depth. The balance tipped in Azerbaijan’s favour due to better drones and rocket artillery and a willingness to use them in an innovative and integrated manner. &nbsp;

The violence of firepower and its centrality in battle is reinforced in the Ukraine war. &nbsp;Employment of guns, rockets and missiles – guided, cruise and hypersonic has been unrestricted, imaginative and extensive. &nbsp;Major lessons have been drawn. Terrain, ground or weather might deter, inhibit or preclude the employment of Air, Infantry and Armour but nothing deters long-range Artillery. It overcomes terrain friction by striking deep. Despite static front lines, the daily situation changes due to orchestrated firepower strikes across the battlefield. Long-range vectors generate strategic as well as battlefield manoeuvre. They have been used to achieve political aims by deliberate firing on specified targets. Russia has postured with nuclear warheads and fired conventional warheads to achieve deterrence. It has done so through extensive use of air, hypersonic/cruise/guided missiles, rockets, and guns to deter NATO from getting directly involved. Ukraine uses rockets and cruise missiles imaginatively to deliver crucial blows to Russia. It has sunk a large part of the Russian Navy. &nbsp;Rockets and missiles have been used innovatively in executing ‘firepower ambushes’, &nbsp;undertaking ‘track and kill’ operations and carrying out ‘spoiling attacks’. A major factor which has emerged is that rockets and missiles used in conjunction with drones and a good command and control system dominate conventional battlefields.&nbsp;

<h2>The Non-State Tool of Power</h2>

The Houthi movement to grab power in Yemen is decades old. When the Saudis intervened, Iran stepped in. It provided the Houthis with a liberal supply of rockets and missiles. Once Saudi Arabia and Iran got involved, the Yemen civil war acquired local, regional and international flavours. “The Missile War in Yemen” &nbsp;marks the rise in the use of rockets and ballistic missiles by nonstate actors/proxies. Houthis have fired innumerable rockets and missiles locally at Yemen’s Government and Saudi bases, population centres, and infrastructure to trigger a humanitarian crisis. Regionally, Houthis have used a combination of cruise missiles, unguided rockets, ballistic missiles and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack Saudi Arabia. The most spectacular being the 2019 ARAMCO attacks of Abqaiq and Khurais oil refineries. The Houthi SAMs have downed many &nbsp;Saudi coalition force aircraft. Their rocket and missile arsenal has secured a power-sharing agreement in Yemen. The Houthis are exercising ‘sea denial’ from land by firing drones and anti-ship cruise missiles against international shipping, oil tankers and U.S. Navy warships in the Red Sea. The Houthi arsenal of long-range missiles and drones has complicated the prospect of restoring peace and stability in West Asia or normalising international trade. &nbsp;

The Iran-backed Hezbollah is the world’s most heavily armed non-state actor, described as ‘a militia trained like an army and equipped like a state’. Its rocket and missile arsenal is arrayed against Israel. Hezbollah’s missile inventory is mostly unguided surface-to-surface artillery rockets which lack precision or lethality. However, sheer numbers and volume make them potent weapons of terror. From the 2006 Lebanon war to now, they have expanded from 15,000 rockets and missiles to about 130,000-150,000. Hezbollah uses them as tools of terror and deterrence.&nbsp; 
Hezbollah’s ‘shoot and scoot’ tactics make detection, &nbsp;suppression and retaliation extremely difficult. It negates Israeli airpower. &nbsp;Hence, Hezbollah and Israeli troops are on equal footing in battle. It gives an advantage to Hezbollah which fights from behind a civilian façade like all non-state actors. Hezbollah and Houthi forces are collaborating to develop and employ rockets and missiles against Israel. Hezbollah is pushing to acquire longer-range precision-guided munitions. It has some rockets and missiles with a range of up to even 250 km. This is feasible due to the proliferation of missile technology by Iran.&nbsp;

Hamas was estimated to possess around 6000 rockets in a mix of short (15-20 km), medium ( 45 km) and long (100-200 km) range rockets. Hamas has adapted ideas from the Houthis and Hezbollah with Iranian assistance. Hamas specialises in making crude rockets using water pipes and filling them with any available explosive. Though erratic, they strike terror and make defiant political statements. Hamas uses civilian infrastructure and tunnels to camouflage and store these weapons. Hamas used to fire rockets into Israel from civilian areas of the Gaza Strip. It demonstrates their power to retaliate and even needle Israel to pursue their aims. These have also been used by Hamas to provoke Israel into indiscriminate retaliatory action and enmesh it in a humanitarian trap like they have done in the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;

Iran’s rockets and missile power were on display in its recent demonstrative strike on Israel. The strategic message in that strike is that sheer numbers and volumes can overwhelm air defences. Iran also proliferates rockets &amp; missiles to most of the non-state actors in West Asia. This enables Iran to project power and gain recognition of being an important player in the region. Iran is a case study in power projection far beyond borders without a strong navy or Air Force. Iran has offset this deficiency with its missile arsenal. Incidentally, this tactic is being used by China against the USA in the Western Pacific and against India in the Himalayas.&nbsp;

<h2>The Rise of Rockets and Missiles</h2>

Rockets and missiles are the choice tools of power, coercion and terror for the state as well as non-state actors. Their enhanced ranges outpace conventional artillery or aircraft. When combined with drones, they expand and threaten every corner of the battlefield. They have heralded a new vista of non-contact warfare with positive escalatory controls. They are also cheaper and far less complicated than air forces to acquire and maintain. They are flexible in employment and light on training and infrastructure requirement. The array of rockets and missiles is vast and can be produced through crude methods as also sophisticated processes as per capability and requirement. Rockets and missiles can be used as weapons of terror and mass destruction interchangeably. Their visual impact is high with enhanced propaganda value. They are capable of precision over longer ranges, unlike guns. Their survivability against air defences is far higher than aircraft. Very importantly they can be employed in conventional and nuclear roles. Technology gives better options in producing and employing rockets and missiles en masse. Modern missiles with higher speeds, range, navigation, advanced materials, and endurance can be developed at speed through dual-use space technologies. The evolution of hypersonic missiles is a new chapter on the horizon. The use of rockets and missiles combined with drones and satellite systems backed by AI-driven command and control systems is deadly and set to grow in modern warfare.

<h2>The Indian Scene</h2>

While there is some clamour for a Rocket Force in India, we need to see it in perspective. India has the technology and wherewithal to produce any kind of rocket or missile. It has a reasonable inventory and adequate capability to accelerate production. What it lacks is the vision to put it all together. A major part of the inability is a lack of Recce Strike Integration thinking. Integration of surveillance and long-range firepower through a dedicated command and control system is sorely lacking. More importantly, a national strategy is lacking. ISRO and DRDO don’t exactly see eye to eye. Each Service has its own philosophy at variance with the other. The Army myopia reduced the number of rocket regiments in its long-term plans! As the ranges of engagement have increased, &nbsp;the Indian Artillery, which incidentally is the most modern Arm of the Army, has been stripped of integral deep surveillance and targeting capability! Believe it or not! Over time, long-range and aerial observation capability birthed in Artillery has been bifurcated from it by our ‘Dritharashtric’ planners. While the rest of the world is integrating firepower, surveillance and observation through repurposed apps in battle, we have systematically disintegrated our structure! &nbsp;No. We do not need a rocket force. We need integrated thinking and jointness. We sorely lack that at almost every level. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp;

While drones have revolutionised the battlefield, it is the rise and proliferation of rockets and missiles that has impacted the battlefield and geostrategic statecraft.

While drones have revolutionised the battlefield, it is the rise and proliferation of rockets and missiles that has impacted the battlefield and geostrategic statecraft. Their widespread employment in conjunction with traditional artillery and aircraft is the new battlefield paradigm. The global inventory of rockets and missiles has expanded geometrically. Firepower has changed drastically as rockets and missiles have been employed as geopolitical tools of coercion, as conventional weapons in battle and as a tool of power by non-state actors. The Geopolitical Tools of Coercion North Korea pioneered provocative testing cum demonstrative firings of missiles and rockets as geopolitical tools of coercion since the late 70s. Initially, North Korean missiles had 50% failures. Current failure rates are only around 15%. As missile reliability improved, the North Korean threat has increased. In 2024, North Korea tested a cruise missile and IRBMs with hypersonic glide capability thrice. It keeps threatening the United States, South Korea and Japan through such firings. North Korea keeps firing a mix of unguided rockets, guided missiles and cruise missiles to keep the Eastern Pacific destabilised. It also conveys nuclear ambiguity through missile testing. It even fires conventional rockets mixed with tube artillery near inhabited areas to explicitly threaten and coerce South Korea. China has a vast array of modern missiles and rockets. The PLARF is the largest ground-based missile force on earth. China regularly carries out large-scale rocket and missile firing demonstratively along with naval and air exercises to threaten and coerce Taiwan. The larger message is to demonstrate China’s resolve and capability to annex Taiwan, fight and win wars and project power globally. China uses the PLARF to convey its credibility and capabilities of nuclear deterrence and counterattack, strengthen intermediate and long-range precision strike forces, and enhance strategic counter-balance capability. It is a potent threat to China’s neighbours and adversaries. It also gives the PLA the ability to influence local, regional, and global military conflicts. In simple terms, it is geopolitical coercion on a global scale. Rockets and Missiles in Conventional Battles The Armenia and Azerbaijan conflict indicated how conventional wars will be fought using rockets, missiles, drones, and artillery. While its highlight was the extensive use of drones to complement conventional artillery, it also featured the heavy use of missiles and rocket artillery. This aspect has largely gone unnoticed. Both sides deployed and employed a range of rockets and missiles. These were a combination of legacy systems of the USSR era as also modern systems procured from different sources individually. Azerbaijan invested more into its rocket and missile arsenal to include guided rockets and MLRS systems to engage targets up to 200 km in depth. The balance tipped in Azerbaijan’s favour due to better drones and rocket artillery and a willingness to use them in an innovative and integrated manner. The violence of firepower and its centrality in battle is reinforced in the Ukraine war. Employment of guns, rockets and missiles – guided, cruise and hypersonic has been unrestricted, imaginative and extensive. Major lessons have been drawn. Terrain, ground or weather might deter, inhibit or preclude the employment of Air, Infantry and Armour but nothing deters long-range Artillery. It overcomes terrain friction by striking deep. Despite static front lines, the daily situation changes due to orchestrated firepower strikes across the battlefield. Long-range vectors generate strategic as well as battlefield manoeuvre. They have been used to achieve political aims by deliberate firing on specified targets. Russia has postured with nuclear warheads and fired conventional warheads to achieve deterrence. It has done so through extensive use of air, hypersonic/cruise/guided missiles, rockets, and guns to deter NATO from getting directly involved. Ukraine uses rockets and cruise missiles imaginatively to deliver crucial blows to Russia. It has sunk a large part of the Russian Navy. Rockets and missiles have been used innovatively in executing ‘firepower ambushes’, undertaking ‘track and kill’ operations and carrying out ‘spoiling attacks’. A major factor which has emerged is that rockets and missiles used in conjunction with drones and a good command and control system dominate conventional battlefields. The Non-State Tool of Power The Houthi movement to grab power in Yemen is decades old. When the Saudis intervened, Iran stepped in. It provided the Houthis with a liberal supply of rockets and missiles. Once Saudi Arabia and Iran got involved, the Yemen civil war acquired local, regional and international flavours. “The Missile War in Yemen” marks the rise in the use of rockets and ballistic missiles by nonstate actors/proxies. Houthis have fired innumerable rockets and missiles locally at Yemen’s Government and Saudi bases, population centres, and infrastructure to trigger a humanitarian crisis. Regionally, Houthis have used a combination of cruise missiles, unguided rockets, ballistic missiles and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack Saudi Arabia. The most spectacular being the 2019 ARAMCO attacks of Abqaiq and Khurais oil refineries. The Houthi SAMs have downed many Saudi coalition force aircraft. Their rocket and missile arsenal has secured a power-sharing agreement in Yemen. The Houthis are exercising ‘sea denial’ from land by firing drones and anti-ship cruise missiles against international shipping, oil tankers and U.S. Navy warships in the Red Sea. The Houthi arsenal of long-range missiles and drones has complicated the prospect of restoring peace and stability in West Asia or normalising international trade. The Iran-backed Hezbollah is the world’s most heavily armed non-state actor, described as ‘a militia trained like an army and equipped like a state’. Its rocket and missile arsenal is arrayed against Israel. Hezbollah’s missile inventory is mostly unguided surface-to-surface artillery rockets which lack precision or lethality. However, sheer numbers and volume make them potent weapons of terror. From the 2006 Lebanon war to now, they have expanded from 15,000 rockets and missiles to about 130,000-150,000. Hezbollah uses them as tools of terror and deterrence. Hezbollah’s ‘shoot and scoot’ tactics make detection, suppression and retaliation extremely difficult. It negates Israeli airpower. Hence, Hezbollah and Israeli troops are on equal footing in battle. It gives an advantage to Hezbollah which fights from behind a civilian façade like all non-state actors. Hezbollah and Houthi forces are collaborating to develop and employ rockets and missiles against Israel. Hezbollah is pushing to acquire longer-range precision-guided munitions. It has some rockets and missiles with a range of up to even 250 km. This is feasible due to the proliferation of missile technology by Iran. Hamas was estimated to possess around 6000 rockets in a mix of short (15-20 km), medium ( 45 km) and long (100-200 km) range rockets. Hamas has adapted ideas from the Houthis and Hezbollah with Iranian assistance. Hamas specialises in making crude rockets using water pipes and filling them with any available explosive. Though erratic, they strike terror and make defiant political statements. Hamas uses civilian infrastructure and tunnels to camouflage and store these weapons. Hamas used to fire rockets into Israel from civilian areas of the Gaza Strip. It demonstrates their power to retaliate and even needle Israel to pursue their aims. These have also been used by Hamas to provoke Israel into indiscriminate retaliatory action and enmesh it in a humanitarian trap like they have done in the ongoing conflict. Iran’s rockets and missile power were on display in its recent demonstrative strike on Israel. The strategic message in that strike is that sheer numbers and volumes can overwhelm air defences. Iran also proliferates rockets & missiles to most of the non-state actors in West Asia. This enables Iran to project power and gain recognition of being an important player in the region. Iran is a case study in power projection far beyond borders without a strong navy or Air Force. Iran has offset this deficiency with its missile arsenal. Incidentally, this tactic is being used by China against the USA in the Western Pacific and against India in the Himalayas. The Rise of Rockets and Missiles Rockets and missiles are the choice tools of power, coercion and terror for the state as well as non-state actors. Their enhanced ranges outpace conventional artillery or aircraft. When combined with drones, they expand and threaten every corner of the battlefield. They have heralded a new vista of non-contact warfare with positive escalatory controls. They are also cheaper and far less complicated than air forces to acquire and maintain. They are flexible in employment and light on training and infrastructure requirement. The array of rockets and missiles is vast and can be produced through crude methods as also sophisticated processes as per capability and requirement. Rockets and missiles can be used as weapons of terror and mass destruction interchangeably. Their visual impact is high with enhanced propaganda value. They are capable of precision over longer ranges, unlike guns. Their survivability against air defences is far higher than aircraft. Very importantly they can be employed in conventional and nuclear roles. Technology gives better options in producing and employing rockets and missiles en masse. Modern missiles with higher speeds, range, navigation, advanced materials, and endurance can be developed at speed through dual-use space technologies. The evolution of hypersonic missiles is a new chapter on the horizon. The use of rockets and missiles combined with drones and satellite systems backed by AI-driven command and control systems is deadly and set to grow in modern warfare. The Indian Scene While there is some clamour for a Rocket Force in India, we need to see it in perspective. India has the technology and wherewithal to produce any kind of rocket or missile. It has a reasonable inventory and adequate capability to accelerate production. What it lacks is the vision to put it all together. A major part of the inability is a lack of Recce Strike Integration thinking. Integration of surveillance and long-range firepower through a dedicated command and control system is sorely lacking. More importantly, a national strategy is lacking. ISRO and DRDO don’t exactly see eye to eye. Each Service has its own philosophy at variance with the other. The Army myopia reduced the number of rocket regiments in its long-term plans! As the ranges of engagement have increased, the Indian Artillery, which incidentally is the most modern Arm of the Army, has been stripped of integral deep surveillance and targeting capability! Believe it or not! Over time, long-range and aerial observation capability birthed in Artillery has been bifurcated from it by our ‘Dritharashtric’ planners. While the rest of the world is integrating firepower, surveillance and observation through repurposed apps in battle, we have systematically disintegrated our structure! No. We do not need a rocket force. We need integrated thinking and jointness. We sorely lack that at almost every level. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Rise of rockets and missiles in conflicts

A Malta-flagged container ship which was en route from Djibouti to the Saudi city of Jeddah was reportedly targeted with three missiles, reported the British maritime security firm Ambrey, on Monday (Apr 29). The incident reportedly took place near Yemen’s port city of Mokha.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the incident</h2>

At around 0702 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), citing military sources reported an incident near the Yemeni port city and that authorities are investigating.&nbsp;

“Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” said the agency in a statement.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/red-sea-shipping-diversions-boost-carbon-emissions-equivalent-to-9-mn-cars-716173">Red Sea shipping diversions boost carbon emissions equivalent to 9 mn cars</a>

In an update, the UKMTO said that it was informed by a Company Security Officer that an explosion had occurred in close proximity to a merchant vessel in the area.&nbsp;

The vessel and the crew are reported safe and the authorities are still investigating the incident, said the British agency.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ambrey said that the vessel was targeted due to its listed operator’s ongoing trade with Israel.&nbsp;

Both Ambrey and UKMTO reported that the incident took place around 54 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s Mokha.

<h2>Houthi militants involved?</h2>

The Yemen-based Iran-backed Houthi rebels have repeatedly attacked international commercial shipping in the Red Sea region with drones and missiles, saying that they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

The Houthi rebels, who have been targeting Red Sea shipping since mid-November have not claimed responsibility for the reported attack, on Monday.&nbsp;

The incident also comes days after UKMTO reported damage to an India-bound vessel after Ambrey said three missiles were sighted approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Mokha.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-making-efforts-to-block-feared-icc-arrest-warrants-against-netanyahu-others-report-716139">Gaza war: Israel making efforts to block ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and others, says report</a>

“The Master has reported two attacks. The first attack, the vessel experienced an explosion in close proximity to the vessel, which was felt by the crew on board,” the UKMTO said in a statement, on Friday (Apr 26).&nbsp;

It added, “Subsequently, the second attack on the vessel, consisted of what is believed to be two missiles, which resulted in damage to the vessel.”&nbsp;

The vessel in question was en route from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India. “At the time of writing, the vessel's owner was Seychelles-registered and was engaged in Russia-linked trade,” said Ambrey.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A Malta-flagged container ship which was en route from Djibouti to the Saudi city of Jeddah was reportedly targeted with three missiles, reported the British maritime security firm Ambrey, on Monday (Apr 29).

A Malta-flagged container ship which was en route from Djibouti to the Saudi city of Jeddah was reportedly targeted with three missiles, reported the British maritime security firm Ambrey, on Monday (Apr 29). The incident reportedly took place near Yemen’s port city of Mokha. What we know about the incident At around 0702 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), citing military sources reported an incident near the Yemeni port city and that authorities are investigating. “Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” said the agency in a statement. Also Read | Red Sea shipping diversions boost carbon emissions equivalent to 9 mn cars In an update, the UKMTO said that it was informed by a Company Security Officer that an explosion had occurred in close proximity to a merchant vessel in the area. The vessel and the crew are reported safe and the authorities are still investigating the incident, said the British agency. Meanwhile, Ambrey said that the vessel was targeted due to its listed operator’s ongoing trade with Israel. Both Ambrey and UKMTO reported that the incident took place around 54 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s Mokha. Houthi militants involved? The Yemen-based Iran-backed Houthi rebels have repeatedly attacked international commercial shipping in the Red Sea region with drones and missiles, saying that they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas. The Houthi rebels, who have been targeting Red Sea shipping since mid-November have not claimed responsibility for the reported attack, on Monday. The incident also comes days after UKMTO reported damage to an India-bound vessel after Ambrey said three missiles were sighted approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Mokha. Also Read | Gaza war: Israel making efforts to block ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and others, says report “The Master has reported two attacks. The first attack, the vessel experienced an explosion in close proximity to the vessel, which was felt by the crew on board,” the UKMTO said in a statement, on Friday (Apr 26). It added, “Subsequently, the second attack on the vessel, consisted of what is believed to be two missiles, which resulted in damage to the vessel.” The vessel in question was en route from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India. “At the time of writing, the vessel's owner was Seychelles-registered and was engaged in Russia-linked trade,” said Ambrey. (With inputs from agencies)

Container ship en route to Jeddah attacked with three missiles near Yemen’s port city Mokha

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