In a worrying escalation of hostilities, Yemen's Houthis have sunk two cargo vessels in a week, resulting in multiple casualties and active rescue operations. The U.S. has condemned these attacks as a threat to maritime security.
Escalating Tensions: Houthis Sink Two Cargo Ships in a Week Amid International Outcry
Escalating Tensions: Houthis Sink Two Cargo Ships in a Week Amid International Outcry
A maritime security crisis unfolds as Houthi attacks claim lives and disrupt navigation in the Red Sea, drawing condemnation from the U.S. and calls for diplomatic action.
Ten crew members have been rescued and at least three others have died after a cargo ship was attacked by Yemen's Houthis, sinking in the Red Sea, according to a European naval mission. The Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated vessel, Eternity C, was struck by rocket-propelled grenades fired from small boats, rendering it inoperable while carrying 25 crew members. The US embassy in Yemen has accused the Houthis of kidnapping surviving crew members, with authorities in the Philippines confirming that at least 21 of the crew were nationals. Among the injured is a Russian sailor who lost a leg in the assault.
Rescue efforts have seen four more individuals recovered, increasing the total to ten, including three Filipinos and a Greek. Maritime security firm Diaplous, which coordinated the rescue, stated they will continue searching until all potential survivors are found. The death toll from this incident includes confirmed fatalities as reports surface suggesting that the Houthis have sunk four vessels and seized an additional one since late 2023.
This incident comes just days after the Houthis targeted another Greek-operated ship, Magic Seas, which they claimed was violating a ban on entering ports they consider occupied. Thankfully, the crew of Magic Seas was rescued unharmed. The attacks form part of the Houthis' broader campaign supporting Palestinian actions amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, erroneously asserting that they are only targeting vessels linked to Israel or its allies.
The U.S. has publicly condemned these aggressive assaults, emphasizing their implications for regional maritime security and freedom of navigation. In a related event, Israel’s military intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, adding another layer to the ongoing conflict. As the International Maritime Organization urges diplomatic efforts to restore calm, the situation in the Red Sea remains precarious for international shipping and for the lives of innocent seafarers caught in the unrest.
