In an official statement, the Iran-backed Houthi rebel movement have confirmed the targeting of the commercial vessels “Unity Explorer” and “Number Nine” off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea, adding that “The first ship was targeted with a naval missile and the second ship with a naval drone.”

“The targeting operation came after the two ships rejected warning messages from the Yemeni naval forces. The Yemeni armed forces continue to prevent Israeli ships from navigating the Red and Arab Seas until the Israeli aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops.”

“The Yemeni Armed Forces renew their warning to all Israeli ships or those associated with Israelis that they will become a legitimate target if they violate what is stated in this statement and previous statements issued by the Yemeni Armed Forces,” the statement concluded, echoing prior warnings against Israeli-linked vessels in the region.

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The Pentagon has confirmed that the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Carney intercepted two drones that were heading towards it as it was responding to a distress signal by one of the targeted commercial vessels. There were no reports of damage or injuries on the USS Carney.

These latest attacks come as Iran-backed proxy forces across the Middle East begin to ramp up attacks again as the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel and Gaza stopped. Last night, Iran-backed Shia militia forces launched their first attack against American forces in Iraq since the start of the ceasefire.