The Red Sea, a critical artery for global trade, has once again been rocked by escalating attacks from Yemen's Houthi rebels. In a distressing development, a Liberian-flagged cargo ship came under fire on Monday, July 7, 2025, resulting in two security guards reportedly wounded and two other crew members missing. This alarming incident follows closely on the heels of another Houthi-claimed attack just a day prior, where a Greek-owned bulk carrier was reportedly sunk. โ๏ธ๐จ
The latest vessel, identified as the Greek-owned Eternity C, was targeted by sea drones and skiffs off Hodeidah, a Houthi-controlled area. Reports from Greek government officials and the vessel's owner, Cosmoship, confirm the casualties. The Eternity C, carrying 22 Filipino crew members and three Indian armed guards, was en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, when its bridge was hit. Communications with the crew have been severely impacted, making the full extent of the damage and the status of the missing individuals unclear. ๐ฅ๐
This attack marks the second major Houthi assault on commercial shipping in the vital corridor within 24 hours. On Sunday, July 6, the Houthi militants claimed to have sunk the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas. That vessel, carrying 22 crew members, was reportedly struck by drones, missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire, forcing its crew to abandon ship. They were later rescued by a passing vessel and transferred to Djibouti. ๐ค๐จ
The renewed Houthi aggression shatters a period of relative calm in the Red Sea and significantly heightens fears of a fresh campaign against shipping. This escalation could once again draw in US and Western forces, particularly after Israeli airstrikes targeted Houthi-held ports in Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif, as well as the Ras Kanatib power plant, earlier on Monday. Israel's actions were reportedly in response to missiles launched from Yemen towards its territory. ๐ retaliate ๐ฎ๐ฑ
Since November 2023, the Houthis have consistently targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, disrupting global trade in what they claim are acts of solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza conflict. These attacks have already forced numerous shipping companies to reroute their vessels around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, adding significant time and cost to journeys. The impact on global supply chains and economies, including a drastic decline in Suez Canal revenue, has been substantial. ๐ธ๐
The international community is watching with growing concern as tensions in the Red Sea reach a boiling point. The safety of seafarers and the unimpeded flow of global trade hang in the balance, as these audacious Houthi strikes continue to destabilize one of the world's most crucial maritime routes. ๐๐