Yemen's Houthi militia has taken several crew members hostage from a cargo ship they attacked earlier this week, escalating tensions in an already volatile region that affects global shipping.
Yemeni Houthis Escalate Tensions by Taking Crew Hostage After Red Sea Attack
Yemeni Houthis Escalate Tensions by Taking Crew Hostage After Red Sea Attack
The Houthi militia's recent actions against a cargo ship in the Red Sea have raised global shipping concerns, following the hostage-taking of crew members.
In a bold move that signals heightened hostility in the Red Sea, Yemen’s Houthi militia has reportedly taken several crew members hostage following an assault on the Liberian-flagged cargo ship, Eternity C, earlier this week. U.S. officials shared the situation on social media, emphasizing the urgency for their "immediate and unconditional safe release."
The attack took place on Monday, reportedly resulting in the deaths of at least two crew members, as confirmed by Liberian officials at a United Nations meeting. Houthi military spokesman, Yahya al-Sarea, claimed responsibility for the assault, alleging that the ship was en route to an Israeli port—an assertion that has not been independently verified. Following the missile strike, al-Sarea stated that the militia had "responded to rescue" some crew and provide medical assistance, though he did not clarify how many were rescued or their current location.
This is not the first instance of the Houthis seizing a vessel; in 2023, they held another ship, the Galaxy Leader, and its crew hostage for more than a year. Additionally, while al-Sarea relayed their purported concern for the safety of sailors, the Houthi statement failed to address the fatalities from the attack.
The U.S. Mission to Yemen has voiced deep concern regarding the escalation of hostilities and the safety of the kidnapped crew members involved. As tensions rise in this crucial shipping lane, the implications of such actions continue to reverberate throughout the international maritime community.
