The leader of Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced on Thursday that maritime attacks on ships they associate with Israel will continue, as long as what they describe as “Israeli aggression” in Gaza persists. This statement follows two recent attacks on Greek-managed cargo ships in the Red Sea and nearby waters.
Houthi Leader: Shipping Ban in Effect
Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi reiterated that his group will not allow any vessel they believe is linked to Israel to pass through key waterways including the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea.
“Our naval operations against ships will continue as long as Israel’s aggression in the Gaza Strip continues,” al-Houthi said.
Greek-Managed Ships Targeted in Recent Attacks
The Houthi group launched two separate attacks on Sunday and Monday, sinking two vessels—Eternity C and Magic Seas—both sailing under a Liberian flag and managed by Greek companies.
The Eternity C was sunk on Monday, just a day after the Magic Seas met the same fate. These incidents echo a broader campaign that began in November 2023, during which over 100 vessels have been attacked by the group.
Casualties and Survivors
All crew members of the Magic Seas were safely evacuated prior to the ship’s sinking.
However, the attack on the Eternity C proved deadlier. Four crew members are believed to have died, with sources from maritime security reporting they were killed during the attack.
Ten survivors from the Eternity C have been rescued, including eight Filipino nationals, one Indian national, and one Greek member of the ship’s Maritime Security Team. The vessel was carrying a total crew of 25 people. Eleven remain missing.
Continued Houthi Campaign
Since late 2023, Houthi forces have targeted numerous ships off the coast of Yemen, claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Initially, the attacks focused on vessels allegedly tied to Israel but later expanded to include American ships as well.
