Houthis Escalate Attacks in Red Sea, Targeting British Ship and US Drone

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have intensified their maritime and aerial assaults, posing new threats to international shipping lanes and escalating tensions in the region.

Iran-backed Houthis launched a missile attack on the British cargo ship Rubymar in the Gulf of Aden, causing significant damage and forcing the crew to abandon the vessel.
The rebels also claimed responsibility for downing a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen, marking a significant escalation in their campaign against international maritime traffic.
The attacks come amid ongoing US and UK military responses, including airstrikes targeting Houthi capabilities and the first observed use of a Houthi underwater drone.
These aggressive actions by the Houthis are part of a broader strategy to disrupt global trade passing through the Red Sea and support the Palestinian cause against Israel.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as these incidents threaten the safety of key global trade routes and raise concerns over maritime security.