Two American-flagged ships carrying cargo for the U.S. Defense and State departments were attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Wednesday, with the U.S. Navy intercepting some of the incoming fire. The attacks on the container ships Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake further escalate the group’s ongoing attacks on shipping through the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Both ships reported seeing explosions close by and the U.S. Navy also intercepted multiple projectiles, but the crew, ship, and cargo remained safe and unharmed.

2 US-flagged ships with cargo for the US Defense Dept come under attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Peace through strength. Weakness invites aggression. Half-measures won’t stop Houthis attacks. Why is Joe Biden being so indecisive⁉️What is he waiting for⁉️ https://t.co/rspu9U4BWd

— Rich Studley, Michigander (@rstudley) January 24, 2024

The U.S. military’s Central Command attributed the attacks to the Houthis, who fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles. The U.S. and the U.K. have launched rounds of airstrikes in response to the attacks and the rebels have vowed to target American and British ships as well. Meanwhile, Qatar, one of the world’s top exporters of liquified natural gas, has stated that its shipments have been affected by the Houthi attacks, with some deliveries being delayed or taking alternative routes.

Qatar’s state-owned QatarEnergy producer has assured that production continues uninterrupted and the company is working to ensure the reliable supply of LNG to its customers. As a key mediator between Hamas and Israel, Qatar has not yet seen any of its ships attacked and is managing its LNG shipments with valued buyers despite the ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea area.