Red Sea Attack Sparks War Fears with Houthis

Houthi Rebels Target Commercial Vessel in Red Sea, Escalating Tensions

Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched an attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, marking their first assault on international shipping since December. This incident has raised concerns about a potential resurgence of military conflict in the region. The targeted vessel, the Magic Seas, is a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier owned by a Greek company. According to maritime security sources, the ship was attacked using rocket-propelled grenades, small arms fire, and explosive-laden drone boats.

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The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it is part of their ongoing support for Palestinians during Israel’s war in Gaza. Although initial reports did not identify the vessel, maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed that the Magic Seas was the target of the strike.

Why This Matters

This attack has disrupted the relative calm that had been maintained in the Red Sea, potentially leading to a renewed Western military response. Previous Houthi attacks have prompted U.S.-led airstrikes and multinational naval deployments, suggesting that this incident could signal a new phase in the conflict. Global shipping companies are already facing challenges due to Red Sea disruptions, with many rerouting vessels around Africa to avoid the Suez Canal. This shift not only delays cargo but also increases global shipping costs, with estimates indicating a surge of nearly $200 billion since the Houthi campaign began.

Details of the Attack

According to Ambrey, the attack started with small skiffs firing small arms and RPGs at the Magic Seas. The ship’s Armed Security Team (AST) responded with gunfire as the situation escalated. Shortly after, four unmanned surface vessels (USVs) approached the ship. Two of these USVs impacted the port side of the vessel, causing damage to its cargo. The remaining two were intercepted and destroyed by the AST.

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MarineTraffic, a maritime tracking service, released detailed data on the Magic Seas, showing its route and nearby maritime activity before the attack. This playback provides valuable insights into the ship’s movements and the surrounding traffic leading up to the incident.

Continued Campaign by Houthi Rebels

In a post on their Al Ansar Telegram channel, the Houthis stated that the Magic Seas met their criteria for targeting. They described the attack as involving four naval drones, with two colliding with the left side of the ship and causing damage to its cargo. The group linked the operation to their broader campaign supporting Gaza, consistent with their previous attacks on Red Sea shipping since November 2023.

Israel’s Response

The attack follows an escalation of Israeli military actions against the Houthis over the weekend. Israel launched airstrikes on three key ports—Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif—as well as the Ras Kathib power plant and radar equipment on the seized Galaxy Leader vessel docked in Hodeidah. These strikes marked Israel’s first in nearly a month and came after the interception of a missile launched from Yemen earlier that day. In retaliation, the Iran-aligned Houthis fired additional missiles and drones toward Israel, triggering sirens but causing no reported casualties or damage.

What People Are Saying

Ambrey Maritime Security Alert:
“Two of the USVs impacted the port side of the vessel, damaging the vessel’s cargo. The remaining two USVs were intercepted and destroyed by the AST.”

Houthi Statement on Telegram:
“Four naval drones attacked a ship. Our assessment indicates that the attacked ship meets the Yemeni criteria for targeting ships.”

What Comes Next

It remains unclear whether this strike marks the beginning of a new phase in Houthi operations or if it is an isolated incident. While the U.S. Navy and European maritime forces have not issued formal responses, renewed military engagement appears likely if the pattern of attacks continues.