Houthis fired at 2 ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Iran-backed Houthi militants fired six anti-ship ballistic missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden yesterday, a U.S. defense official told NBC News.
Three of the missiles were attempting to hit MV Star Nasia, a bulk carrier transiting the Gulf of Aden. Star Nasia sustained minor damage but no injuries were reported. It remains seaworthy and is continuing toward its destination.
The remaining three missiles were most likely targeting MV Morning Tide, a cargo ship operating in the southern Red Sea. The three missiles hit the water near the ship without effect.
Morning Tide is continuing its journey and reported no injuries or damage.
Earlier yesterday, the Houthis released a statement threatening to “escalate more and more” unless the “aggression” on Gaza ended.
Qataris received Hamas counterproposal one hour before Blinken met with emir
DOHA, Qatar — The Qataris received the response from Hamas to a potential hostage deal just an hour before Blinken was set to meet with the Qatari emir, a senior State Department official said.
The emir, or head of state, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, informed Blinken about the counterproposal when they first met shortly after he landed in Doha, according to the official, but Al Thani did not provide details.
When Blinken walked into the meeting with Al Thani, the emir passed around the counterproposal to go over the details with the U.S. delegation.
Soon afterward, department officials briefed White House officials on the counterproposal, the official said. The response was then announced to the public at a joint news conference between Blinken and Qatar’s prime minister.
Civilians caught in Rafah bombardments
An injured man with a bandaged head looks over the debris of a destroyed building in Rafah, southern Gaza today.
A young girl peers out at debris strewn across the floor after buildings were damaged by recent Israeli bombardments.
