The US-British military coalition has conducted multiple strikes against targets in Yemen’s strategic western province of Hudaydah, with no further details about any casualties quickly available.
Seafarers have the right to refuse to sail on ships passing through the Red Sea in a new industry agreement as the situation escalates and further vessels are attacked by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis, a labor union and industry groups said on Friday. The Houthis have targeted commercial ships with drones and missiles in the Red Sea since mid-November in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians against Israel in the Gaza war. In December, areas deemed warlike and high-risk were extended into the southern area of the Red Sea as part of negotiated arrangements between seafarers and commercial shipping companies, known as the International Bargaining Forum (IBF).
In response to accusations from Russia and China, the United States and Britain defended their military actions against Yemen s Houthi rebels, whom they accused of launching illegal attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthi attacks were said to drive up shipping costs and disrupt global trade. The U.N. special envoy for Yemen noted that regional tensions, including the war in Gaza, have hindered efforts to restore peace in Yemen. The conflict has exacerbated Yemen s humanitarian crisis, with millions in need of aid.
Iran has warned the US not to target a ship which officials believe is providing vital intelligence to the Houthis to enable their continued Red Sea attacks.