On 8/7, Houthi forces stated that the cargo ship Magic Seas had violated a ban on ships docking at Israeli ports. The captain allegedly refused to comply with demands to reduce speed and stop the vessel. Houthi members then attacked the Magic Seas using unmanned boats and small arms.

After the crew abandoned the Magic Seas, at least three Houthi fighters boarded the vessel, planted explosives along the hull, and detonated them. The ship then gradually sank, appearing to break in two before disappearing beneath the waves.

The same day, the Houthis also attacked the Eternity C, which was traveling north on the Red Sea. The attack caused significant damage, immobilizing the vessel. According to Reuters, both the Magic Seas and Eternity C belong to a company whose ships have previously docked at Israeli ports.

The Houthi forces have recently significantly changed their tactics for attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea. They now use speedboats and unmanned vessels to surround and attack ships, rather than relying on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles as they did previously.

The Houthis began targeting Israel and ships they believe are linked to the country in the Red Sea in 11/2023. They claim these actions demonstrate solidarity with their ally Hamas and the people in the Gaza Strip.

The Houthi forces captured the Galaxy Leader in 11/2023, sank three cargo ships, and damaged several others. The US and its allies subsequently launched attacks on Houthi targets to force the Yemeni armed group to halt its operations in the Red Sea.

Area controlled by Houthi forces in Yemen. Graphic: AFP

Despite intense airstrikes, the Houthis have continued to attack cargo ships and have repeatedly launched missiles and UAVs at US warships. They claim to have downed 22 US MQ-9 armed UAVs during the Red Sea operations and to have 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 cease bombing Houthi targets, and the armed group would stop attacking US warships in the Red Sea. However, there were no provisions requiring the Houthis to end their attacks on Israeli territory and ships linked to Israel in the region.

Nguyen Tien (According to AP, AFP, Al Masirah)