In the latest development of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Yemen's Houthi rebels have targeted an oil tanker in the Red Sea with a ballistic missile, causing damage to the Panama-flagged, Greek-owned vessel. This attack comes amidst the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip and follows the rebels' claimed shooting down of a U.S. military drone.

Although the Houthi rebels have not immediately claimed responsibility for the assault, they have been actively involved in disrupting trade routes by launching attacks on shipping. The missile strike occurred around 1 a.m. and hit the oil tanker Wind, which had recently docked in Russia and was headed towards China.

The Central Command of the U.S. military confirmed the incident, stating that the missile strike caused flooding and resulted in the loss of propulsion and steering of the vessel. However, the crew of M/T Wind managed to restore the necessary functions and continued its course under its own power. No casualties were reported, but the attack caused a fire on board the tanker, according to private security firm Ambrey.

The Houthi rebels have been conducting a series of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, demanding Israel to end the war in Gaza. In recent months, they have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, leading to disruptions in maritime trade. The rebels, who receive support from Iran, have also targeted military drones, claiming to have shot down another U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen.

Despite the decrease in Houthi attacks due to the U.S.-led airstrike campaign in Yemen, the threat remains and shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continues to be adversely affected. The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthi rebels seized control of the country's north and its capital, Sanaa.

International attention remains focused on the evolving situation in the region as tensions escalate between various parties involved in the ongoing conflict.