**Breaking News: Houthis Launch New Offensive in Red Sea Amid U.S. Navy Withdrawal**

In a shocking escalation, the Houthi rebels have unleashed a new offensive in the Red Sea, sinking two ships within a week and leaving multiple crew members missing. This surge in hostilities comes just days after the U.S. Navy withdrew its significant naval presence, raising alarms over the safety of one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.

The latest assault targeted the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, Eternity Sea, with explosive drones and missiles, resulting in four crew members dead, ten rescued, and eleven still unaccounted for. This attack follows a similar strike on the Magic Seas, which also succumbed to Houthi aggression without fatalities. The Houthis claim both vessels had ties to Israel, framing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The Bab el Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint at the southern end of the Red Sea, is now under dire threat. This narrow passage is essential for global trade, with 15% of the world’s shipping passing through. If disrupted, the repercussions would ripple across the globe—soaring oil prices, broken supply chains, and heightened naval tensions.

Critics are questioning the timing of the U.S. Navy’s withdrawal, which left the region vulnerable to such assaults. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a formidable carrier group that had been safeguarding these waters, was redeployed just before the Houthis resumed their attacks. With no major U.S. naval presence in the Red Sea, the Houthis have swiftly taken advantage, signaling a dangerous shift in the balance of power.

As the world watches, the implications of this conflict extend far beyond the Red Sea. The U.S. Navy faces a critical decision: return to the region and risk deeper entanglement in a protracted conflict, or remain absent and allow the Houthis to further destabilize this crucial maritime route. The stakes have never been higher, and the global community holds its breath as the situation unfolds.