Escalating Attacks on Shipping in Red Sea Raise Concerns

A Norwegian-owned tanker ship, the Strinda, was hit by a cruise missile while passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off the coast of Yemen. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the attack, which is believed to have been carried out by Houthi rebels. The ship caught fire but no casualties were reported, and the crew managed to extinguish the flames. The vessel is now proceeding to a safe port. This incident comes amid escalating threats on commercial shipping in the region, with the Houthis targeting vessels in the Red Sea and launching drones and missiles towards Israel. The US and France have reported Houthi drones heading towards their ships but have not directly responded to the attacks.