Houthis sink cargo ship in Red Sea attack
Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the attack and sinking of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, MV Magic Seas, off the southwest coast of Yemen. They released a video purportedly showing the strike, which included a Mayday call, multiple explosions, and the ship's eventual submersion. While the vessel's manager could not verify the sinking, a maritime security firm confirmed that the Magic Seas had gone down. Fortunately, all crew members were rescued by a passing merchant vessel and safely arrived in Djibouti.
The attack on the Magic Seas, which was carrying iron and fertilizers from China to Turkey, marks a significant escalation in maritime hostilities in the Red Sea, a critical shipping corridor. This incident was the first reported attack in the area since mid-April and involved gunfire, rocket-propelled grenades, sea drones, and missiles over a four-hour raid. The Houthis have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023, claiming these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
In a related incident, the Houthis also attacked another Liberian-flagged cargo ship, the Eternity C, using similar tactics. This attack resulted in severe damage to the vessel, with six crew members rescued, three confirmed fatalities, and 14 individuals still missing. The Houthis released footage of this attack as well, further illustrating the rising risks to commercial shipping in the region.
These recent maritime assaults have drawn international condemnation and raised concerns over security in the Red Sea, highlighting the Houthis' capabilities and the potential for further disruptions to global trade. The situation remains tense, with Israel responding to Houthi actions by launching strikes on their targets, further complicating the regional dynamics.
