Houthi Attacks in Red Sea Disrupt Shipping Traffic

Two shipping companies, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, have announced a pause in their journeys through the Red Sea after a series of attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The attacks targeted two Liberian-flagged ships in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, causing physical damage and fires. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that they were targeting ships heading to Israel. The US and other countries are working to address the threat to commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which is crucial for global trade.