Houthis Report First Red Sea Attack on Merchant Ship Since December

Houthi Rebels Claim Responsibility for Missile and Drone Attack on Commercial Ship in Red Sea

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have publicly claimed responsibility for a missile and drone attack on a commercial ship navigating the Red Sea. This incident marks their first direct assault on merchant shipping in several months, signaling a potential escalation in regional tensions. The attack targeted the vessel named Magic Seas, an Ultramax carrier owned by a Greek company, Stem Shipping.

During a televised address, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree confirmed the group was behind the strike. He stated that the ship was chosen as a target because it had previously visited Israeli ports. Despite this claim, Stem Shipping has not yet issued any official response to the incident, leaving many questions unanswered about the extent of the damage and the ship’s current status.

The Houthi rebels have been actively targeting commercial maritime traffic since late 2023, significantly disrupting global trade routes. Their actions have led to a sharp decline in the number of ships transiting through the Suez Canal, which is a vital link for international commerce. Even though major attacks have decreased in recent months, the waterway continues to experience reduced traffic in 2025.

In May, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire agreement with the Houthis, aiming to reduce hostilities in the region. However, the recent attack on the Magic Seas suggests that the situation remains volatile and unpredictable.

Israel Responds with Airstrikes Following the Attack

In response to the attack on the Magic Seas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes on multiple locations in Yemen. Targets included the ports of Al Hudaydah, Ras Issa, and Al-Salif, as well as a power facility in Al Hudaydah. The IDF also struck the Galaxy Leader, a ship that had been seized by Houthi forces in November 2023.

According to reports, the Galaxy Leader was allegedly used by the Houthi rebels to track international vessels involved in maritime operations. The IDF’s actions indicate a growing concern over the group’s ability to monitor and potentially interfere with global shipping activities.

Impact on Global Trade and Regional Security

The continued targeting of commercial ships by Houthi rebels poses a significant threat to global trade and regional stability. The Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, is one of the most important shipping lanes in the world. Any disruption to its operations can have far-reaching economic consequences.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has already caused widespread humanitarian crises and economic instability in the region. With the Houthi rebels increasing their attacks on maritime traffic, the situation could worsen further, leading to more international interventions and heightened security measures.

International Response and Future Outlook

As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring developments in the Red Sea and the broader Middle East. Countries with vested interests in the region, including the United States, the European Union, and Gulf states, are likely to take further steps to ensure the safety of commercial shipping and prevent further escalations.

The temporary ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and the Houthis may provide some relief, but it remains uncertain whether it will lead to a lasting peace. The recent attack on the Magic Seas highlights the challenges of maintaining stability in a region marked by deep-seated conflicts and shifting alliances.

With the Houthi rebels showing no signs of backing down, the coming months will be critical in determining the future of maritime security in the Red Sea and beyond. The international community must remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any further threats to global trade and regional security.