Escalation of Tensions in the Red Sea
Tensions in the Red Sea have escalated as Houthi rebels from Yemen continued a prolonged attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship, raising concerns over the stability of this crucial waterway. The incident has reignited fears of renewed conflict, with authorities reporting that the Greek-owned vessel Eternity C remains under continuous assault by small boats and drones.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center highlighted that the Eternity C is “surrounded by small craft” and has been subjected to an hourslong attack. At least two individuals aboard the ship were injured, while two others are reported missing. The bulk carrier was en route north toward the Suez Canal when it came under fire late Monday night. Security guards on board responded with their weapons, according to reports from the European Union anti-piracy patrol Operation Atalanta and the private security firm Ambrey.
Although the Houthis have not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, both Yemen’s exiled government and the EU force have attributed the incident to the rebel group. This comes after the Houthis targeted another Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned vessel, the Magic Seas, on Sunday. The attack involved drones, missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire, forcing the 22-member crew to abandon the ship. The rebels later announced that the vessel had sunk in the Red Sea.
These attacks have raised alarm among international actors, particularly as they coincide with a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting the Houthi rebels early Monday. The situation has sparked concerns about a potential resurgence of Houthi campaigns against shipping, which could draw in U.S. and Western forces. This is especially relevant given the previous actions taken by the Trump administration, which conducted a major airstrike campaign against the rebels.
The current context is critical for the Middle East, as discussions around a possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war remain ongoing. Additionally, Iran is considering whether to restart negotiations over its nuclear program following American airstrikes that targeted its most sensitive atomic sites during the Israel-Iran conflict in June.
The Houthi rebels have been conducting missile and drone attacks against commercial and military vessels in the region. According to their leadership, these actions are aimed at halting Israel’s offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four sailors.
This campaign has significantly disrupted trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically handles $1 trillion in goods annually. Although shipping through the area has seen some recovery in recent weeks, it remains below normal levels.
The Houthis temporarily halted their attacks following a U.S. assault against them in mid-March. However, the attacks resumed only recently, although they have continued with occasional missile strikes targeting Israel. The ongoing situation underscores the fragile nature of regional stability and the potential for further escalation in the coming months.
