Houthis launch first ballistic missile at southern Israel, signalling major escalation

28 March 2026 — Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen fired their first ballistic missile directly at southern Israel, in a move that sharply raises the stakes in the Iran&Israel confrontation. The Israel Defense Forces said the missile was successfully intercepted and that no casualties were reported. The launch came a day after Israeli strikes on Tehran, intensifying a conflict that has already spilled into global trade routes. Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping over recent years have pushed worldwide freight costs up about 30%. Source: BBC