US defense official: Commercial vessel is in flames in Red Sea after Houthi’s missile attack

In further evidence of escalating tensions between the United States (US) and  Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, a US defense official stated on Tuesday that the Houthi-controlled Yemen fired a land-based cruise missile, leaving a commercial vessel in flames in the Red Sea.

“US navy vessel Mason arrived at the scene to offer assistance following the attack, no casualties reported,” the defense official added.