 Yemen's Houthi rebels shot down a U.S. drone and damaged a Belize flagged British cargo ship in their latest assault against commercial vessels, their spokesperson claimed, the Iranian-backed group, which has been targeting commercial shipping since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, said they hit the cargo ship Rubimar in the Gulf of Aden, the ship suffered catastrophic damage and came to a complete halt. Houthi spokesperson Yehya Sarri said on social media. As a result of the extensive damage the ship suffered, it is now at risk of potential sinking in the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis had also shot down a U.S. drone in the port city of Hodeidah, he said. The Belize flagged, British registered, and Lebanese-operated General Cargo Ship came under attack in the Bab al-Mandab straight off Yemen on Sunday, British maritime security firm Ambri said. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Agency reported on Sunday that the crew had abandoned a ship off Yemen after an explosion, apparently the same incident, the Houthi rebels have launched more than 30 attacks on commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea since mid-December.In retaliation, UK and U.S. military have been carrying out targeted air and missile strikes against the Iran-backed militants. The EU is also planning a defensive mission in the region.