Houthi Missile Strike Hits Chinese Tanker in Red Sea

Despite promising not to attack Chinese ships, Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired five ballistic missiles at a Chinese-owned oil tanker, M/V Huang Pu, in the Red Sea, causing minimal damage and a small fire. The Houthis have been using drones and missiles to target ships in the region and recently signed an agreement with China and Russia for safe transit. The deepening partnership between China, Russia, and Iran has raised concerns, with US Gen. Michael Kurilla warning that their collaboration creates a chaotic landscape favorable for exploitation and extremism. The attack on the Huang Pu prompted US forces to engage six Houthi drones over the southern Red Sea to protect freedom of navigation and international waters.