Houthis Continue to Target Cargo Ships in Red Sea, Sinking Second Vessel in a Week
Six crew members rescued as at least three killed after attack on Eternity C by Iran-backed Yemen rebels
In the latest incident of escalating tensions in the Red Sea, Yemen's Houthis have targeted and sunk another cargo ship, the Liberian-flagged Eternity C.
This attack marks the second such incident within a week following their assault on the Magic Seas, also a Liberian-Greek operated vessel.
The Eternity C, which was carrying 25 crew members, sustained significant damage after being hit by rocket-propelled grenades from small boats on Monday.
This attack persisted into Tuesday, leading to rescue operations overnight.
According to sources, the Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting the ship, stating it was en route to Israel and that they had taken an unspecified number of crew members to a 'safe location'.
The Eternity C incident has drawn international condemnation, with the US embassy in Yemen calling for the immediate release of the kidnapped crew.
Among the rescued are 21 Filipino citizens and one Indian national, while four others have been confirmed dead, including a Russian national who lost a leg in the attack.
This tragic event is part of a broader pattern; since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted around 70 merchant vessels with missiles, drones, and small boat attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, resulting in the sinking of four ships, seizure of one, and at least seven crew member fatalities.
The attack on these ships is claimed to be in support of Palestinian efforts during the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, though such targeting has been frequently misdirected towards vessels linked to Israel, the US, or the UK—nations involved in strikes against Yemen.
In response to the Eternity C incident, the EU's naval mission in the Red Sea, Operation Aspides, is participating in international efforts.
While six crew members have been rescued, 19 others remain missing as rescue operations continue.
The US state department has condemned these attacks, highlighting the threat posed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels to freedom of navigation and regional security.
Despite a ceasefire agreement with the US following intensified strikes on Yemen, the Houthis maintain that their actions are not bound by this agreement concerning Israel.
In light of these developments, the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called for heightened diplomatic efforts to address the renewed violation of international law and freedom of navigation.
Innocent seafarers and local populations continue to bear the brunt of these attacks, underscoring the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
This attack marks the second such incident within a week following their assault on the Magic Seas, also a Liberian-Greek operated vessel.
The Eternity C, which was carrying 25 crew members, sustained significant damage after being hit by rocket-propelled grenades from small boats on Monday.
This attack persisted into Tuesday, leading to rescue operations overnight.
According to sources, the Houthis claimed responsibility for targeting the ship, stating it was en route to Israel and that they had taken an unspecified number of crew members to a 'safe location'.
The Eternity C incident has drawn international condemnation, with the US embassy in Yemen calling for the immediate release of the kidnapped crew.
Among the rescued are 21 Filipino citizens and one Indian national, while four others have been confirmed dead, including a Russian national who lost a leg in the attack.
This tragic event is part of a broader pattern; since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted around 70 merchant vessels with missiles, drones, and small boat attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, resulting in the sinking of four ships, seizure of one, and at least seven crew member fatalities.
The attack on these ships is claimed to be in support of Palestinian efforts during the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, though such targeting has been frequently misdirected towards vessels linked to Israel, the US, or the UK—nations involved in strikes against Yemen.
In response to the Eternity C incident, the EU's naval mission in the Red Sea, Operation Aspides, is participating in international efforts.
While six crew members have been rescued, 19 others remain missing as rescue operations continue.
The US state department has condemned these attacks, highlighting the threat posed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels to freedom of navigation and regional security.
Despite a ceasefire agreement with the US following intensified strikes on Yemen, the Houthis maintain that their actions are not bound by this agreement concerning Israel.
In light of these developments, the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called for heightened diplomatic efforts to address the renewed violation of international law and freedom of navigation.
Innocent seafarers and local populations continue to bear the brunt of these attacks, underscoring the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
