**An escalation in maritime tensions unfolds as Yemen's Houthi militia attacks a cargo ship, leaving two dead and taking several crew members hostage.**
**Houthis Seize Crew Members in Red Sea Cargo Ship Attack**
**Houthis Seize Crew Members in Red Sea Cargo Ship Attack**
**U.S. Mission condemns hostage situation following Houthi assault on Liberian cargo vessel.**
The Yemeni Houthi militia, supported by Iran, has escalated tensions in the Red Sea by attacking a Liberian-flagged cargo ship, the Eternity C, and taking some crew members hostage, as stated by the U.S. Mission to Yemen on Wednesday. The assault occurred earlier this week and has raised alarms about its implications for global shipping safety.
According to the U.S. Embassy's statement on social media, “We call for their immediate and unconditional safe release,” following reports that the Houthi attack resulted in the death of at least two crew members. These details were revealed by Liberian officials during a United Nations briefing on Tuesday.
Houthi military spokesman, Yahya al-Sarea, confirmed the militia's assault on the cargo ship, asserting that it was targeted while en route to an Israeli port. Though this claim remains unverified, it indicates the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. Al-Sarea mentioned that following the attack, the group had rescued several crew members and provided them with medical assistance, though he did not disclose the total number of rescued or their current location. This incident echoes a similar one in 2023 when the Houthis held another vessel, the Galaxy Leader, and its crew hostage for over a year.
While the Houthi leadership has emphasized a concern for sailors’ safety, the death of crew members has not been addressed in their communications. As the situation develops, international observers await clarity on the fate of those taken hostage and the broader implications for maritime security.
According to the U.S. Embassy's statement on social media, “We call for their immediate and unconditional safe release,” following reports that the Houthi attack resulted in the death of at least two crew members. These details were revealed by Liberian officials during a United Nations briefing on Tuesday.
Houthi military spokesman, Yahya al-Sarea, confirmed the militia's assault on the cargo ship, asserting that it was targeted while en route to an Israeli port. Though this claim remains unverified, it indicates the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. Al-Sarea mentioned that following the attack, the group had rescued several crew members and provided them with medical assistance, though he did not disclose the total number of rescued or their current location. This incident echoes a similar one in 2023 when the Houthis held another vessel, the Galaxy Leader, and its crew hostage for over a year.
While the Houthi leadership has emphasized a concern for sailors’ safety, the death of crew members has not been addressed in their communications. As the situation develops, international observers await clarity on the fate of those taken hostage and the broader implications for maritime security.
