Iran-Backed Houthis Escalate as Red Sea Shipping Routes Face Fresh Threats

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels launched their first confirmed missile attack on Israel since the conflict erupted, marking a dangerous escalation in the Middle East war. The Israeli military intercepted the projectile early Saturday as sirens blared across southern Israel near Beer Sheba and the Dimona nuclear research center. Houthi Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility, stating the rebels targeted “sensitive Israeli military sites” with a barrage of ballistic missiles, raising alarms about potential disruptions to Red Sea shipping lanes that handle over $1 trillion in annual trade.

Analysis by Zara Blackwood (Rapid Response Intelligence Analyst).