Escalating Tensions in the Red Sea
A recent series of attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea has raised concerns about the growing instability in the region. A Liberian-flagged cargo ship, the Eternity C, was targeted by Houthi rebels on Monday, resulting in two crew members being injured and two others missing. This incident occurred just a day after the Houthis sank another vessel, highlighting a worrying trend of increased aggression.
The attack on the Eternity C, which is owned by a Greek company, took place in a critical maritime route. The ship was heading north towards the Suez Canal when it came under fire from small boats and drones carrying bombs. Security personnel aboard the vessel also returned fire, but the ship was eventually struck by projectiles. The crew included 21 Filipinos, one Russian, and three security guards. Despite the attack, the ship did not request an escort, according to reports from Operation Atalanta, the European Union’s anti-piracy patrol.
The EU force confirmed that the Houthis were responsible for the attack. Moammar al-Eryani, the information minister of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, also blamed the rebels for the assault. The Houthis control the northern half of Yemen and its capital, Sanaa, making them a significant player in the region’s ongoing conflict.
The attack on the Eternity C occurred in the same area as the previous day’s attack on the Magic Seas, approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of the port of Hodeida, which is under Houthi control. The Magic Seas, another Greek-owned bulk carrier, had been attacked with drones, missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire. The crew of 22 was forced to abandon the vessel, and the United Arab Emirates reported that an Abu Dhabi Ports vessel rescued the sailors.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the Houthis’ military spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack on the Magic Seas. He later stated that the vessel had sunk. However, the rebels did not immediately claim the attack on the Eternity C, as they often wait hours or even days before making such announcements.
Israeli Strikes Target Houthi-held Ports
In response to the escalating tensions, the Israeli military launched airstrikes targeting Houthi-held ports early Monday. The strikes hit areas including Hodeida, Ras Isa, and Salif, as well as the Ras Kanatib power plant. The Israeli military released footage showing an F-16 launching from Israel for the strike, which followed a warning issued for the area.
“These ports are used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons from the Iranian regime, which are employed to carry out terrorist operations against the state of Israel and its allies,” the Israeli military said. They also targeted the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle-carrying vessel that the Houthis seized in November 2023. The ship had been operated by a Japanese firm, NYK Line, and was affiliated with an Israeli billionaire.
The Houthis acknowledged the strikes but provided no damage assessment. Israel has repeatedly attacked Houthi areas in Yemen, including a naval strike in June. While both Israel and the United States have previously targeted ports in the area, Israel is now acting alone in attacking the rebels as they continue to fire missiles at Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of further strikes, stating, “What’s true for Iran is true for Yemen. Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off. The Houthis will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions.”
Houthi Attacks Linked to Israel-Hamas Conflict
The Houthi rebels have been launching missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the region, claiming these actions are aimed at ending Israel’s offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two of them and killing four sailors.
Their campaign has significantly reduced trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually. Although shipping through the Red Sea has increased in recent weeks, it remains lower than normal. The Houthis paused their attacks until the U.S. launched a broad assault against them in mid-March, but the attacks resumed shortly after.
Despite the pause, the Houthis have continued occasional missile attacks targeting Israel. The ongoing conflict in the region has led to heightened tensions and fears of further escalation, particularly as a possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war hangs in the balance.
