Houthi rebels conducted a fatal missile attack on the Barbados-flagged vessel True Confidence in the Red Sea, causing at least three deaths and multiple injuries.

The vessel, linked to a US company, was subject to the first deadly Houthi-initiated incident in the area.

The UK has denounced the attack as a result of Houthi's indiscriminate missile launches and, along with the US, has retaliated, leading to the redirection of international shipping routes.

Concerns have risen over the Houthi's targeting of ships, which include a container ship and a chemical cargo ship, due to the risk of environmental catastrophes.

Escalating conflict in the region shows no signs of abating, with the US and UK conducting airstrikes on Houthi infrastructure and the Indian navy engaging in firefighting.

The international community fears a broader regional conflict, as the Houthis justify their attacks as a response to what they perceive as American-British aggression.

The U.N. Security Council has condemned the Houthis and affirmed the right of member states to defend their vessels.

US and Indian naval forces have been active in rescue and firefighting operations following the attacks.

The regional tension, including ship seizures and explosions, has persisted since the US exited Iran’s nuclear deal in 2019.