In a troubling escalation of maritime conflicts, the Iranian-aligned Houthi militia has intensified their assault on shipping in the Red Sea, resulting in multiple sinkings and ongoing rescue efforts for stranded crew members.
Houthis Escalate Attacks in Red Sea, Rescue Operations Ongoing
Houthis Escalate Attacks in Red Sea, Rescue Operations Ongoing
Tensions rise as Yemeni Houthis sink cargo ships, claiming actions support Palestine.
On Wednesday night and Thursday morning, four additional crew members from the Liberian-flagged cargo ship, Eternity C, were saved, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 10. These rescues were part of an operation led by the European Union’s maritime security mission, Operation Aspides. The Eternity C had been attacked earlier in the week by Houthi forces, who claimed the strikes were aimed at expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people amid ongoing tensions with Israel.
This recent wave of aggression marks a significant shift after a period of relative peace in the region. The Houthis had previously targeted another vessel, the Magic Seas, compelling its crew to abandon ship on Sunday. The attacks have rekindled concerns over maritime safety in one of the world's most critical shipping routes, particularly following a truce announced by President Trump in May meant to ensure navigation freedom through strategic channels like the Suez Canal.
According to Liberian officials, the attack on the Eternity C, which involved multiple small boats and missile strikes, resulted in at least two fatalities. The Houthis showcased their operation via an edited video demonstrating the sinking of the vessel, though the exact timeline of the sinking remains unclear. In the footage, the ship is shown being struck by missiles and an unmanned boat. They also claimed to have transferred some crew members to safety following the incident.
The situation remains fluid, and efforts to locate the remaining crew are ongoing as the Houthis continue their aggressive campaign. The implications of this rise in attacks are profound, potentially destabilizing not only regional shipping routes but also international shipping operations reliant on these critical waters.
As the world watches closely, calls for de-escalation and the safety of maritime navigation grow increasingly urgent.
This recent wave of aggression marks a significant shift after a period of relative peace in the region. The Houthis had previously targeted another vessel, the Magic Seas, compelling its crew to abandon ship on Sunday. The attacks have rekindled concerns over maritime safety in one of the world's most critical shipping routes, particularly following a truce announced by President Trump in May meant to ensure navigation freedom through strategic channels like the Suez Canal.
According to Liberian officials, the attack on the Eternity C, which involved multiple small boats and missile strikes, resulted in at least two fatalities. The Houthis showcased their operation via an edited video demonstrating the sinking of the vessel, though the exact timeline of the sinking remains unclear. In the footage, the ship is shown being struck by missiles and an unmanned boat. They also claimed to have transferred some crew members to safety following the incident.
The situation remains fluid, and efforts to locate the remaining crew are ongoing as the Houthis continue their aggressive campaign. The implications of this rise in attacks are profound, potentially destabilizing not only regional shipping routes but also international shipping operations reliant on these critical waters.
As the world watches closely, calls for de-escalation and the safety of maritime navigation grow increasingly urgent.
