The Houthi rebels in Yemen are escalating their attacks on civilian cargo shipping, and for the first time since the beginning of fighting in the region, there are wounded and apparently dead in an attack on a ship.
Yesterday evening, (Wednesday) the rebels launched another wave of missiles against merchant and cargo ships in the Red Sea, and for the first time they hit a ship that caused a significant number of injuries. Four crew members were seriously injured as a result of a fire that broke out on board when the missile hit.
It also appears that for the first time since the outbreak of the fighting, the Houthis killed foreign civilians - the ship's crew members.
The three are considered "missing" according to most estimates, most likely injured in the explosion and thrown into the waters of the Red Sea, where they apparently died.
This latest Houthis attack is expected to lead to a significant escalation in this critical area for international trade, forcing cargo ships to think twice before passing through the strait. In addition, a deterioration in the reaction of the world community is expected.