In a deadly incident marking the first crew fatalities in commercial shipping due to Houthi strikes, three sailors have died following a Houthi missile attack on a ship in the Gulf of Aden. This attack was claimed by the Houthis and is part of a series of strikes they began last year in waters off Yemen. The MV True Confidence's crew had to abandon the ship after the attack, according to US officials. The British embassy in Sana’a, Yemen, initially reported two fatalities, which was later revised to three by the US Central Command. The attacked vessel, owned by Liberia-registered True Confidence Shipping and operated by Greece-based Third January Maritime Ltd, was left adrift with a fire on board. Rescue operations were underway, with some crew members already in lifeboats, as reported by the marine security firm Ambrey. Houthi militants have escalated attacks against international commercial shipping since mid-November, justifying these as actions in solidarity with Palestinians. These attacks have caused damage to several ships, but this is the first instance of merchant sailor fatalities. The incident underscores the growing danger in the region's key shipping routes, prompting some companies to alter or suspend their operations. The US and the UK are now focusing on improving intelligence on Houthi military assets and bolstering local naval forces to secure Yemen’s territorial waters. Despite this, there remains a high risk to all vessels in the area due to the ongoing conflict.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conveyed to U.S. Special Envoy Amos Hochstein that Israel is nearing a decision for military action in Lebanon due to Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks. This message was delivered following a significant rocket attack on the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona by Hezbollah, where around 30 rockets were fired, 10 intercepted by Israel’s missile defence systems. One rocket hit a house's yard, causing minor damage but no injuries. Hochstein, who is in the region to facilitate a negotiated agreement to prevent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, was warned by Gallant of the increasing likelihood of conflict due to Hezbollah’s aggression. This escalation was evident in the intense skirmishes along Israel’s northern border, with Hezbollah claiming responsibility for at least eight attacks in a single day. The IDF responded by striking the launch sites of the attacks and other Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon. Targets included a military site in Ayta al-Sha’ab, operational headquarters in Jabal al-Batam, and launch positions in al-Matmura, as well as other military buildings in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah justified its heavy rocket barrage as retaliation for Israeli strikes in Hula, initially reported as civilian casualties but later confirmed as Hezbollah members.