Red Sea Shipping Disruptions Escalate as Houthis Seize Vessel

Two commercial ships, connected to the same maritime group as the vessel seized by Yemen's Houthis, have diverted their course in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Israel has described the seizure of the British-owned, Japanese-operated cargo ship as an "Iranian act of terrorism," while the Houthis claim it was Israeli. Japan is appealing for the release of the captured ship and its crew, seeking assistance from Saudi, Omani, and Iranian authorities. Two other ships managed by the same company have also changed their routes. The Houthis have threatened further attacks on Israel and potential targeting of Israeli ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.