This decision comes as the United States aims to leverage its relationship with the Saudi kingdom to advance its strategic interests in the Middle East, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza

The airstrike on Hodeidah port dealt a significant blow to the Houthis but was not a decisive victory, according to Ziv. Despite hurting them, the strike intensified their resolve, as they have nothing to lose and continue fighting

Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for targeting the Maersk Sentosa, an American-flagged vessel, with missiles in the Arabian Sea. The incident, reported by the rebels' military spokesperson Yahya Sarea in a televised address

The video, titled "Just try it," showcased aerial views and coordinates of major airports and ports in the kingdom, including Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport, alongside key ports like Ras Tanura and Jizan

The maritime agency reported that the vessel survived five missile strikes, and the Houthis also targeted three other ships, including two in the Mediterranean in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas

The attack, which underscores rising tensions in the region, marks the second such incident targeting Red Sea shipping in recent weeks. The Tutor, a Liberian-flagged vessel operated by a Greek company, succumbed to a dual-pronged assault by Houthi forces utilizing drone boats

The Tutor, owned by a Greek company, suffered a direct hit on its stern from an explosive-laden uncrewed surface vessel (USV), resulting in the tragic death of a Filipino crew member initially reported as missing

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the ship sustained a breach, allowing water into the engine room, causing loss of control. Initial reports suggest a smaller vessel rammed the Tutor's rear before an "unknown projectile" struck it from the air

Despite the damage inflicted, the ship continued its voyage with no injuries reported among its crew. The Norderney is managed by Sunship Schiffahrtskontor, which has also not issued a statement

The attack on the Barbados-flagged vessel, True Confidence, marks the first reported fatalities since the Iran-aligned Yemeni group initiated strikes against shipping in one of the world’s busiest maritime routes

This incident came amid heightened military activity, with the US military confirming the interception of two unmanned aerial vehicles over the southern Red Sea on Sunday

This revelation contradicts initial claims made by Houthi sources on Monday, asserting the sinking of the ship, marking a significant turn in the ongoing series of maritime assaults plaguing the region since November