Houthis Suspected of Targeting Cargo Ship in Red Sea

Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for targeting a cargo ship, the Star Iris, in the Red Sea, although maritime trackers identified it as a Greek-owned vessel flying the Marshall Islands flag. The ship reportedly sustained damage to its starboard side after being hit by missiles while passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The attacks, attributed to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, have led to disruptions in commercial shipping routes, with some companies opting for longer and costlier journeys around Africa. The targeted vessel, reportedly en route to Iran, had its owner listed on the U.S. stock market index NASDAQ, which was cited as a likely motive for the attack. The crew escaped unharmed, and the ship is continuing to its next port of call.