Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corp. said Tuesday it has suspended production at its plant in Hungary for a week due to supply chain disruptions caused by Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

Suzuki plans to restart production on Monday in the northern city of Esztergom, it said. The automaker produces two sports utility vehicles at the plant, its Vitara model, branded the Escudo in Japan, and the S-Cross.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial ships owned by Israeli companies or that they believe are linked to Israel in response to the Middle Eastern nation's ongoing assault on the Gaza Strip.

The militant group's activities have caused delays in the delivery of engines and other parts to Suzuki's plant, among others.

In response to the Houthi attacks, U.S. and British forces carried out strikes against targets in Yemen used by the Iranian-backed group, but the militants have since conducted further assaults on vessels in the area.

==Kyodo

© Kyodo News International, Inc., source Newswire