Yemen's Houthis Target British Oil Tanker Amid Rising Tensions

Yemen's Houthis have fired missiles at a British oil tanker heading to India, despite ongoing air strikes on Yemen by the US and UK. The Iran-linked group targeted the vessel in the Red Sea, with a military spokesperson stating that "appropriate naval missiles" were used in the attack. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the incident, reporting an explosion near the vessel but assuring the safety of the crew. The US Department of State identified the tanker as Panamanian-flagged and condemned the attack as a lawless act on international shipping. Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have escalated since mid-November in response to the conflict between Israel and Gaza, with disruptions to trade expected to continue. The UK Foreign Minister has appealed to China to use its influence on Iran to pressure the Houthis to cease their attacks. The US has been conducting its own strikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi positions in what it calls "self-defence actions" to protect international navigation. As tensions escalate, Washington's support for Israel continues amid concerns over civilian displacement in Gaza.