Ballistic missile strikes US-owned ship near Yemen coast hours after Houthi threat

Houthi militants targeted a U.S.-owned ship with a ballistic missile south of the port of Aden. The attack occurred following U.S. and British strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen. Houthi attacks on ships since November have raised concerns and impacted companies. The escalation parallels Israel's more than three-month war with Hamas militants in Gaza. The latest attack involved the dry bulk carrier Gibraltar Eagle, carrying steel products. The anti-ship missile caused a fire in a hold, but there were no reported injuries on board. The operator, Eagle Bulk Shipping, confirmed the ship continued its journey after the attack. The Houthis had previously indicated their intention to target Israeli ships or those en route to Israel. Container vessels have been altering routes, with some choosing the longer path via the Cape of Good Hope. Ship-tracking data showed at least 15 tankers changing course in response to the escalating conflict.