Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched a violent new wave of attacks on ships in the Red Sea, sinking two vessels and killing crew members.

Yemen's Houthi rebels killed 3 mariners with an attack on a ship in the Red Sea, a European naval force says, fueling concern over a possible new wave of attacks by the Iran-backed group.

Yemen's Huthi rebels have resumed their attacks on Red Sea shipping, saying they aim to force Israel to cease fire in Gaza  -- a move that threatens a truce with Washington and rattles maritime trade.