A U.S. warship shot down four incoming drones in the Red Sea over the Christmas weekend. Iran-backed Houthi rebels were responsible for these attacks. The Suez Canal links Europe to Asia, but it has been disrupted by violence. Major shipping companies have been avoiding the Red Sea and sending their ships around Africa, adding one-to-two weeks for delivery, increasing fuel and insurance costs. One of the largest global shipping firms, Maersk has announced it will resume shipments through the Red Sea. The creation of a multinational force, which includes the United States, is providing protection for shipments on the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
