Houthi rebels launch deadly attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea
- In recent days, Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted merchant vessels in the Red Sea.
- The attacks resulted in the deaths of three mariners and the injury of two others.
- The incidents raise concerns of a renewed campaign by the Houthis against maritime trade.
In recent days, Yemen's Houthi rebels have revived their campaign against shipping in the Red Sea, attacking two vessels within a short timeframe. The first incident occurred on Monday when the Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged cargo ship Eternity C was targeted, resulting in the deaths of three mariners and injuring two others. This attack was executed using small boats and bomb-carrying drones while the ship was en route to the Suez Canal. The crew remained stranded on the drifting vessel following the assault. The Houthi leadership had previously claimed to have sunk another vessel, the Magic Seas, during an earlier attack. This assault on the Magic Seas involved multiple weapon systems, including drones and missiles, and forced its crew to evacuate. After reports indicated that the vessel sank, concerns arose regarding the vulnerability of merchant vessels navigating one of the world’s key maritime trade routes. The attacks have raised alarms about the potential for a new surge in Houthi aggression against shipping, reminiscent of their past actions prior to the cessation of their attacks in early 2025. The escalation in hostilities comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, including an unstable ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and complex negotiations revolving around Iran's nuclear program. The Red Sea's critical shipping lane usually facilitates the movement of around $1 trillion worth of goods annually. However, heightened risks such as missile and drone threats from the Houthis have historically disrupted trade in the region. Security experts and European naval forces are closely monitoring the situation, citing the risk of renewed conflict that could involve Western military responses similar to previous engagements. This change in Houthi tactics serves as a reminder of the precarious conditions in the region and the potential repercussions on global supply chains, further complicating an already tense international landscape.