Accra: The Houthi militia in Yemen has claimed responsibility for an attack on a ship in the Red Sea for the first time in several weeks. The 'Magic Seas' was targeted with drones and missiles, according to the Iran-backed group on Monday.
According to Ghana News Agency, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), responsible for the security of commercial shipping, reported that the incident occurred on Sunday. Militants on small boats attacked a merchant ship using bazookas and other weapons, prompting security forces to return fire.
Water entered the vessel as a result of the attack, and a passing merchant ship picked up the crew. The Houthi militia has repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023. They claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in the coastal territory.
Following heavy US airstrikes in Yemen, the militia agreed to a ceasefire in early May. However, the group stated that the targeted freighter had violated a ban on entering Israeli harbors, and they announced their intention to continue attacking ships linked to Israel.
Yemen is strategically positioned along one of the most critical shipping routes for global trade. The risk of Houthi attacks has led many shipping companies to avoid this route, causing significant economic damage.
