Liberian-flagged cargo ship hit by projectile from rebel-controlled Yemen, set ablaze, official says

A Liberian-flagged cargo ship caught fire in the Red Sea after being hit by a projectile launched from rebel-controlled Yemen. That's according to a U.S. defense official who spoke to The Associated Press. The attack Friday on the Al Jasrah further escalates a campaign by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have claimed responsibility for a series of missile assaults in recent days just missing shipping in the Red Sea and its strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The U.S. official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility for the assault. The Al Jasrah is operated by German-based shipper Hapag Lloyd, which declined to immediately comment about the attack.