Houthis Claim Attack on Cargo Ship in Red Sea, Say it Has Sunk
The Red Sea, a crucial waterway for global trade, has seen a shocking escalation in tensions following an attack by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis on a Greek-operated bulk carrier. The Houthis, who have been fighting the Yemeni government and a Saudi-led coalition for control of the country, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the ship, known as Magic Seas, had sunk.
The attack, which took place on Sunday, involved a variety of weapons, including drones, missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire. The 22-member crew of the Magic Seas was forced to abandon the vessel, leaving it to its fate in the Red Sea.
This is the first known attack on the high seas by the Houthis this year, and it has sent shockwaves through the global shipping community. The Red Sea, which connects the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, is a critical route for international trade, with millions of barrels of oil and other goods passing through it every day.
The Magic Seas, a bulk carrier operated by Greek shipping company, was traveling through the Red Sea when it was attacked. According to reports, the ship was carrying a cargo of grain and other commodities when it was hit.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have been fighting the Yemeni government and a Saudi-led coalition for control of the country since 2015. The conflict has had a devastating impact on Yemen, causing widespread destruction, famine, and a humanitarian crisis.
The attack on the Magic Seas is a significant escalation of the conflict, as it marks the first time that the Houthis have targeted a ship in international waters. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of shipping in the Red Sea and the potential for further attacks.
The Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting the Houthis in Yemen, has condemned the attack and called for the Houthis to be held accountable. The United Nations has also expressed concern about the incident, calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The attack on the Magic Seas is a reminder of the fragile security situation in the Red Sea and the need for greater cooperation and diplomacy to resolve the conflict in Yemen. The incident also highlights the risks faced by shipping companies and their crews, who are increasingly vulnerable to attack in the region.
As the world waits to see what will happen next, the crew of the Magic Seas is facing a desperate struggle to survive. The ship’s owners and operators are working to rescue the crew and salvage what is left of the vessel. The incident is a sobering reminder of the risks and challenges faced by those who work in the shipping industry, and the need for greater cooperation and diplomacy to resolve the conflict in Yemen.
