"Houthis Defy US Ultimatum with New Drone Strike on Red Sea Shipping"
The Houthi rebels launched an armed unmanned surface vessel (USV) towards U.S. Navy and commercial ships in the Red Sea, which detonated a few miles away, following a "final warning" from the White House and allies to stop such attacks. This incident marks the first use of a USV by the Houthis since the Israel-Hamas conflict, although they have a history of using such tactics. The USVs are believed to be assembled in Yemen with Iranian components. In response to ongoing Houthi aggression, the U.S. initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect commercial shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with support from international partners. Despite the operation, the Houthis have persisted in their attacks, risking potential targeted military action.