Source: edition.cnn.com
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Summary
Iran-backed Houthi rebels escalated their Red Sea campaign by sinking two Greek-operated cargo vessels—the Magic Seas and Eternity C—within a week, marking a renewed threat to commercial navigation after a brief lull. The Eternity C was struck with drones and RPGs from small boats, leaving multiple crew dead, many missing, and several reportedly kidnapped, with rescues aided by EU forces amid ongoing searches. The Houthis frame the attacks as solidarity with Palestinians and often allege links to Israel, the US, or UK, while regional tit-for-tat strikes continue, including Israeli attacks on Houthi-held Yemeni infrastructure and a reported missile interception. International bodies and the US condemned the assaults and urged intensified diplomacy as maritime risks and Yemen’s severe humanitarian crisis deepen.
Key Points
- Two Greek-operated cargo ships, Magic Seas and Eternity C, were sunk by Houthis in the Red Sea within a week.
- Eternity C assault involved drones and RPGs; multiple crew killed, missing, and allegedly kidnapped, with mostly Filipino sailors affected.
- Houthis claim actions support Palestinians and target ships with perceived links to Israel, the US, or UK, sometimes inaccurately.
- US and EU condemned attacks; Operation Aspides assisted rescues amid calls from the IMO for diplomacy.
- Regional escalation persists with Israeli strikes in Yemen and missile interceptions, heightening maritime security risks.