Red Sea Shipping Routes Suspended Amid Yemen Rebel Attacks

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, two major shipping companies, have suspended passage through the Red Sea strait following attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels. The rebels, backed by Iran, have targeted shipping in an attempt to pressure Israel during the ongoing conflict with Palestinian Hamas militants. The suspension of maritime traffic has raised concerns about the potential spread of the Gaza conflict. The attacks have prompted Hapag-Lloyd to halt container ship traffic until Monday, while Maersk has instructed its vessels to pause their journeys. The US has confirmed that a Houthi-launched UAV struck a cargo ship, causing a fire that was extinguished. The rebels have claimed responsibility for attacking two other ships in the area.