DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Crew members from a Liberian-flagged vessel that was targeted in a series of assaults in the Red Sea abandoned their ship on Sunday night as it began to take on water. This incident marks the first significant attack on this crucial trade route after several months of actions by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Attack Confirmed
The Greek-owned bulk carrier, Magic Seas, was quickly suspected to have been assaulted by the Houthis, especially after a security firm reported that drone boats packed with explosives struck the vessel following initial attacks involving small firearms and rocket-propelled grenades. While Houthi media noted the incident, they have not yet claimed responsibility. It often takes them a considerable amount of time to acknowledge their attacks.
Heightened Tensions
A resurgence in Houthi attacks on shipping might prompt a re-engagement of U.S. and Western military forces in the region, particularly in light of previous large-scale airstrike campaigns against the rebels led by President Donald Trump.
A Timely Incident
This attack occurs at a particularly sensitive juncture in the Middle East, with the possibility of a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and Iran deliberating whether to resume talks regarding its nuclear program in the wake of U.S. airstrikes on its critical atomic sites.
A Major Escalation
Ambrey, a maritime security firm, issued a statement indicating that the merchant vessel was attacked by eight small boats while moving north in the Red Sea. They later confirmed that drone boats were also involved, signifying a notable escalation, with two drones hitting the Magic Seas and two being neutralized by the onboard security team. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center remarked that the ship was in distress and that its crew had evacuated.
Ongoing Investigations
In the wake of the attack, Moammar al-Eryani, Yemen’s information minister for the exiled government opposing the Houthis, identified the targeted vessel as Magic Seas and attributed the attack to the rebels. The ship was reportedly carrying an armed security team during its transit. Al-Eryani claimed this incident yet again illustrates that the Houthis are an extension of Iranian strategies aimed at destabilizing regional and global security.
Previous Patterns of Attack
The Houthi rebels have resumed missile and drone assaults against commercial and military ships in a stated effort to retaliate against Israeli actions in Gaza. Reports indicate that since November 2023, over 100 merchant vessels have faced attacks, with two sinking and four sailors losing their lives. Although there was a self-imposed ceasefire, recent weeks have seen renewed activity, including an attack on an Israeli target, as shipping traffic in the Red Sea has gradually rebounded.
