Greek-Managed Cargo Ship Under Attack in Red Sea: Crew Members Injured
Two crew members were injured and two others reported missing after a Greek-managed, Liberian-flagged cargo ship came under attack in the Red Sea. The incident followed an earlier assault on the bulk carrier Magic Seas, which the Houthi rebels claimed to have sunk.
Attack on Greek-Managed Cargo Ship in Red Sea
Two crew members were injured and two others reported missing after a Greek-managed, Liberian-flagged cargo ship came under attack in the Red Sea. The incident happened on July 7th and followed a previous assault on the bulk carrier Magic Seas, which was claimed to have been sunk by Houthi rebels. This marks the first significant Houthi attacks on shipping in the vital trade corridor since April.
Security Firm Confirms Assault
Security firm Ambrey confirmed the first attack, stating that the vessel was fired upon by small boats and bomb-carrying drones. The vessel's engines were reportedly disabled, causing it to drift. The Magic Seas sank after a drone and missile attack the day before, involving various weapons and resulting in the crew abandoning ship and being rescued by another vessel.
Houthi Claim of Responsibility
Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, claimed responsibility for the attack, citing ongoing operations targeting Israeli interests. Israel responded with airstrikes on ports and infrastructure controlled by the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Israeli Defense Minister Issues Stern Warning
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning, vowing further strikes if attacks persist. The Houthi rebels retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Israel, prompting Israeli military interception attempts.
This recent escalation follows months of tension in the region, with the Houthi rebels targeting commercial shipping in response to Israeli actions against Hamas in Gaza. The ongoing violence threatens the crucial Red Sea trade route, impacting billions of dollars in goods passing through annually.