**As the conflict intensifies, international calls for the immediate release of the crew are growing amid fears of wider implications for global shipping routes.**
### Houthi Militia Escalates Tensions: Hostage Situation on Red Sea Cargo Ship
### Houthi Militia Escalates Tensions: Hostage Situation on Red Sea Cargo Ship
**The Yemeni Houthi militia has reportedly taken hostages from a cargo ship they attacked, raising concerns over maritime safety and regional security.**
Yemen's Houthi militia, known for its aggressive tactics, has captured crew members from the Liberian-flagged cargo ship Eternity C during an attack in the Red Sea earlier this week. This incident underscores the continuing volatility in the region, already strained by ongoing conflicts and political unrest.
The United States Mission to Yemen confirmed the hostage situation on social media, emphasizing the urgent need for the crew's release. "We call for their immediate and unconditional safe release," the statement insisted, highlighting the potential risks to international shipping.
The attack took place on Monday, with officials from Liberia reporting the tragic loss of at least two crew members due to the assault. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya al-Sarea stated that the militia targeted the Eternity C with cruise and ballistic missiles, alleging the vessel was en route to an Israeli port. However, this claim has not been independently verified.
In a twist, al-Sarea announced that the militia had rescued a number of the ship’s crew, providing them with medical attention before transporting them to safety. However, he refrained from revealing the exact number of rescued individuals or their current whereabouts, leaving uncertainty surrounding their fate.
This attack isn't an isolated incident; in 2023, the Houthis held another ship, the Galaxy Leader, and its crew hostage for over a year, showcasing their capacity for prolonged maritime hostage situations. Despite the violence, senior Houthi official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti assured the Times that the group does care about sailors' safety, yet their recent actions paint a contrasting picture.
As tensions heighten in the area, the ramifications of these events may extend beyond immediate casualties, impacting global trade dynamics and security in the strategic maritime corridors of the Red Sea.
