At least two dead in a Houthi attack on a ship in the Red Sea, the first victims since the conflict began

Ap Dubai

dubai

Updated Wednesday, March 6, 2024-18:47

An attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden has

killed at least two of its crew

and forced survivors to abandon ship, US authorities have confirmed.

This is the first attack with victims in the Red Sea.

The attack on the Barbados-flagged ship

'True Confidence'

further escalates the conflict on a crucial shipping route linking Asia and the Middle East to Europe and which has disrupted global shipping.

To know more

Red Sea.

Who are the Houthis and why do they threaten global security?

• Editor: ROSA MENESES

Who are the Houthis and why do they threaten global security?

The Iran-backed Houthis have launched

attacks since November

, and the United States began an airstrike campaign in January that has so far failed to stop the rebels' attacks.

The Houthis have been radioing ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since they launched their attacks, and analysts suspect the rebels want to seize the ships.

Meanwhile, Iran announced this Wednesday that it would confiscate a shipment of Kuwaiti crude oil worth $50 million, destined for the American energy company Chevron Corp.