Yemen is an Arab country on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula bordering both the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Due to this, it holds a vital strategic location on the eastern side of the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea.
The country has been embroiled in a civil war for several years, with the internationally-recognized government fighting against the Houthi movement in the South.
Tensions in the Red Sea sparked by the Houthi attacks on transiting vessels bring several economic, environmental, and security ramifications on a global level.
There were no injuries or damage reported, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the group will escalate their military operations in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in solidarity with Palestinians during the war in Gaza.
Early on Saturday, US Navy ships and aircraft shot down 15 uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) by Yemen's Houthis in the Red Sea area, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
Significant damage was caused to the targeted vessel and all the crewmembers abandoned ship.
Israel refrains from Ramadan restrictions • Houthis launch missiles across Red Sea
Many Yemenis are tired of the way the Houthis have hijacked the country to turn it into a platform for Iran and Iran’s proxy war against Israel, the US, and the region.
Houthis cause damage to a Liberian-flagged, swiss-owned vessel on the Red Sea. CENTCOM conduct "self-defense" strikes against two anti-ship cruise missiles.
Around 15% of the world's shipping traffic passes through the territorial waters.
Houthis attacked an Israel-affiliated container ship in the Red Sea not far from Arden according to a UKMTO report.