Overview

• Houthis claim responsibility for recent attacks on a British and an American ship in the Red Sea, underscoring the vulnerability of international maritime routes.
• The US and UK have retaliated with strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, aiming to deter further aggression and secure shipping lanes.
• The attacks have prompted global shipping firms to reroute, leading to longer and more expensive journeys, exacerbating disruptions in world trade.
• The US has redesignated the Houthis as a global terrorist organization, reflecting the group's increased threat to international security.
• Amidst the escalating situation, the European Union plans to launch its own Red Sea naval mission to counter the threat and protect maritime commerce.