Yemeni Houthis Attack Greek-Operated Bulk Carriers

Iran-backed Houthi militants launched attacks on Greek-operated bulk carriers near Hodeida, a port city under Houthi control, on Monday. This marks the second ship sunk this week due to Houthi actions in the Red Sea.

The initial assault occurred on Sunday when the Houthis targeted the bulk carrier Magical Sea. They employed a mix of gunfire, rocket-propelled grenades, missiles, and explosive-laden drones. The ship caught fire, leading the crew to abandon it.

During the ongoing Gaza conflict, Houthi attacks have occurred sporadically. While missile and drone strikes have raised concerns among shipping companies, serious damage has only been reported a handful of times.

Back in May, the previous U.S. administration had “suspended” attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, justifying that there was no change in their approach to dealing with terrorism in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

However, Yemeni rebels have once again emerged as a significant threat, appearing to target ships with increased intensity and firepower, overwhelming local defenses.

In this week’s incident involving the Eternal C, at least three crew members lost their lives. The ship was on its way to the Suez Canal when it was attacked by armed militants and a maritime drone. A subsequent attack on Tuesday severely damaged the vessel, compelling the crew to jump into the sea.

According to maritime security sources, seven crew members were rescued after being in the water for more than a day. It’s suspected that some crew members may have been taken hostage, with a majority being from the Philippines.

The European Union Navy reported that one of the rescued crew members lost a leg in the assault.

“These incidents pose a direct threat to regional peace, global trade, and the freedom of navigation, which are essential for public welfare,” stated the EU in a press release.

Arsenio Dominguez, Executive Director of the International Maritime Organization, remarked that the attack signifies a new breach of international law and poses a risk to navigation freedoms, particularly after a period of relative calm.

He added, “Innocent seafarers and the local populace bear the brunt of these attacks and the resulting pollution.”

The U.S. State Department condemned the unprovoked Houthi attacks on the Magical Sea and Eternal C in a statement, emphasizing that these assaults threaten maritime security and freedom of navigation.

According to Tamy Bruce, a State Department spokesperson, the U.S. is committed to safeguarding maritime freedom against Houthi aggression, which must be condemned globally.

Despite appeals for peace, the Houthis seem unaffected. Reports from the Associated Press noted that the Houthis released a propaganda video of their attack on the Magical Sea, showcasing a masked gunman aboard the ship.

The footage displayed the assailant breaking glass on the ship’s bridge and chanting slogans, which include threats to the U.S. and Israel. Ultimately, an explosive detonated, sinking the vessel.

The chants echoed the official motto of the Houthi movement, known as Ansar Allah, which translates to “Allah’s army.”

Christian Paes from the Institute for International Strategy suggested that the attacks could have been influenced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington and an uptick in Iranian aggression.

As of Wednesday morning, the Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attacks on both the Magical Sea and the Eternal C.