The recent attack on the Liberian-registered cargo ship Eternity C marks a troubling resurgence of violence in the Red Sea, with the Houthi militia aiming threats at vessels affiliated with Israeli ports, challenging the safety of this critical shipping route.
Renewed Attacks in the Red Sea Undermine Shipping Safety
Renewed Attacks in the Red Sea Undermine Shipping Safety
Two crew members killed as cargo ships face renewed assaults from Houthi militants, raising concerns over maritime security despite ceasefire efforts.
In a troubling escalation, two crew members were killed in an audacious attack on the Liberian-registered cargo ship Eternity C near Yemen, raising alarms over security in the vital shipping lanes of the Red Sea. The incident, which occurred on Monday, is the second maritime assault in the region within days, occurring just a day after Yemen's Houthi militia claimed responsibility for a similar attack on another vessel.
The recent episode involved a series of small boats targeting the Eternity C, a Greek-operated ship. Alongside the fatalities, two additional crew members sustained injuries. Liberian officials reported the incident during a United Nations meeting, raising further concerns about the safety of international trade routes, especially in light of President Trump's recent declaration for a truce aimed at ensuring unhindered navigation through the Red Sea.
Just a day prior, the Houthi group reported they had compelled the cargo ship Magic Seas to abandon ship due to an attack that significantly damaged the vessel. A total of 22 crew members from the Magic Seas were rescued and transported to safety in Djibouti.
This spate of attacks represents the first aggressive actions by the Houthis against commercial shipping since December. The timing is particularly notable as it follows Trump’s declaration of a ceasefire with the Houthis in May, following military efforts intended to secure safe passage for vessels in the Red Sea.
Spokesperson Yahya al-Sarea confirmed on social media that the assault on the Magic Seas was predicated on the ship's company allegedly violating port entry directives related to "occupied Palestine." In a pointed message, he warned that any vessels operating with Israeli ties would not be spared.
This alarming situation underscores the precarious state of maritime security amidst ongoing regional tensions, calling for urgent actions and dialogue to restore safety for seafarers and commercial interests within the Red Sea corridor.
