The attack occurred on 6/7 when the Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated cargo ship Magic Seas was sailing off the southwestern coast of Yemen, approximately 95 km from the port of Hodeidah. This is the first attack on a cargo ship in the vital Red Sea shipping lane since April.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), run by the British navy, and maritime security company Ambrey reported that the Magic Seas was pursued by eight speedboats. The gunmen on the boats opened fire with anti-tank and small arms, and the security forces on board the Magic Seas returned fire.
The cargo ship was then attacked by four drones and missiles. "Two drones hit the port side of the vessel, causing damage to the cargo," Ambrey stated.
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The cargo ship Magic Seas. Photo: Marine Traffic |
The cargo ship Magic Seas. Photo: Marine Traffic
The UKMTO reported that the attack caused a fire on board. Ambrey later received reports that water was flooding the Magic Seas, forcing the crew to abandon ship. According to security sources, the crew was rescued by a passing cargo vessel.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Magic Seas. Ambrey noted that the vessel "fits the profile of targets for the Houthi armed group in Yemen."
The Houthis began targeting Israel and ships they believe are connected to the country in the Red Sea in November 2023, claiming it was an act of solidarity with their ally Hamas and the people in the Gaza Strip.
The Houthi forces seized the Galaxy Leader in November 2023, sank two cargo ships, and damaged several others. The US and its allies subsequently attacked Houthi targets to force the Yemeni armed group to halt its operations in the Red Sea.
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Area controlled by Houthi forces in Yemen. Graphics: AFP |
Area controlled by Houthi forces in Yemen. Graphics: AFP
Despite intense airstrikes, the Houthis have continued to target cargo ships and have repeatedly launched missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at US warships. The Houthis have downed 22 US MQ-9 armed UAVs in the Red Sea campaign and nearly hit several F-16 and F-35 fighter jets.
In early May, then-US President Donald Trump unexpectedly announced a ceasefire agreement with the Houthis. Under the agreement, Washington would stop bombing the Houthis, and the armed group would cease attacks on US warships in the Red Sea. However, there was no provision requiring the Houthis to end attacks on Israeli territory and related cargo ships in the area.
Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, AFP, AP)
