The Houthis announced that they targeted the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group on Friday, casting doubt on whether the Yemen-based terrorist group would stop its attacks on ships in the Red Sea following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Two of the world's top shipping companies, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd , said on Thursday they did not see an immediate return to Red Sea after the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was announced.

Israel and Hamas announced a ceasefire on Wednesday, leading to speculation that the Yemen-based Houthis — who started attacking commercial ships in late 2023 ostensibly in retaliation for Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip — might call off the broadsides for good.

Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire, raising questions as to when major container lines will return to the Red Sea.

Comments by Frontline Management's chief executive Lars Barstad reflect scepticism in shipping circles about improved safety conditions off Yemen

A.P. Moller-Maersk expressed caution about any fast return to shipping through the Red Sea, after the Yemen-based Houthis signaled a pause in their attacks on commercial vessels.

Container lines are likely to wait and see what happens to other vessels returning to the Red Sea before making any decisions themselves.

Houthi, said the Iran-aligned group will monitor the implementation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas and will continue its attacks on ships in the Red Sea if it is breached. The Houthis have carried out more than 100 attacks on ships since November 2023 and have sunk two vessels,

Hapag-Lloyd reiterated it will return to the Red Sea "when it is sufficiently safe to do so," while Maersk said it was too early to speculate.

Maritime security officials said on Thursday they were expecting Yemen's Houthi militia to announce a halt in attacks on ships in the Red Sea, after a ceasefire deal in the war in Gaza between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

Houthi, leader of Yemen's Houthis, declared that the group would monitor the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The Houthis threatened ongoing maritime attacks if the ceasefire is breached. Their assaults on the Red Sea have disrupted global shipping,