 "Yemen's Houthis released videos of their attacks on two Liberian-flagged vessels. Image courtesy: X.com")
In a sharp escalation of maritime violence, Iran‑backed Houthi rebels recently attacked two vessels in the Red Sea.
Following the attacks, the Yemen-based militants also released video footage of their attacks that sank two Liberian‑flagged cargo vessels, putting up a visceral reminder of a growing security threat in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
Ships struck in separate but closely timed attacks
The first vessel, the Magic Seas, a Liberian‑flagged, Greek‑managed bulk carrier, was attacked on July 6 in the southern Red Sea with small arms, rocket‑propelled grenades and explosive drone boats. The ship caught fire and sank after its crew abandoned it; all 19 crew members and three security guards were rescued unharmed.
The Houthis promptly released a video showing explosions onboard the vessel and the ensuing sinking.
A few days later, the Liberian‑flagged Eternity C, also Greek‑operated, was struck on 7 July by sea drones and rocket‑propelled grenades, and again by uncrewed surface vessels the next day.
It sank on July 8 after the crew abandoned ship. At least four crew members were killed, ten rescued, six are unaccounted for and may be held captive by the Houthis. The group released footage showing an evacuation broadcast and explosions before the ship submerged.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsGlobal condemnation and growing tensions
The United States has accused the Houthis of “kidnapping” crew members from the Eternity C and demanded their release. A European Union naval force confirmed that only six of the 25 crew on board were rescued .
These two incidents represent the first confirmed sinkings by the Houthis since June 2024 and mark a renewed campaign targeting ships they claim are linked to Israel. The International community, including the UN’s envoy, has expressed grave concern at the escalation and the potential for environmental harm.
Reuters analysed Houthi footage and noted that both vessels were Greek‑operated but Liberian‑flagged. Firstpost has not independently verified the footage.
Commercial routes at risk amid Gaza war fallout
The Houthi assaults are widely interpreted as a reaction to the Gaza conflict and Israeli strikes on Yemen. The group says it is acting in solidarity with Palestinians .
Shipping in the strategic Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandeb corridor, responsible for about 12 percent of global trade, has already been under siege since November 2023.
Over 100 vessels have been attacked in that time. The recent sinkings threaten to destabilise the fragile calm following earlier US‑led naval patrols and temporary ceasefires .
With inputs from agencies