Yemen's Houthi rebels attack cargo ships in Red Sea

A Liberian-flagged cargo ship was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, resulting in two injuries and two missing crew members. This incident occurred a day after the rebels sank another vessel. The Greek-owned bulk carrier Eternity C was targeted in the strategic maritime route following a previous attack on the Magic Seas, forcing its crew to abandon ship.

The attacks, along with Israeli airstrikes on the rebels, have raised concerns about a potential escalation in Houthi actions against shipping, possibly involving U.S. and Western intervention. These events coincide with delicate situations in the Middle East, including ceasefire negotiations in the Israel-Hamas conflict and Iran's deliberations on nuclear program discussions post-airstrikes during the Israel-Iran conflict.

Reports from the European Union anti-piracy patrol Operation Atalanta and private security firm Ambrey confirmed the attack on the Eternity C, which was heading north towards the Suez Canal. The vessel was fired upon by individuals in small boats and bomb-carrying drones, prompting security personnel on board to respond with gunfire. The crew comprised 21 Filipinos, one Russian, and three security guards.

Yemen's information minister and the E.U. force attributed the attack to the Houthis, who control the northern part of Yemen. The assault on the Eternity C occurred in the same vicinity as the previous attack on the Magic Seas, near the port of Hodeida. An armed security team on the Magic Seas retaliated against the initial gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades, with the crew later being rescued by an Abu Dhabi Ports vessel.

Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack on the Magic Seas, stating that the vessel had sunk. The rebels did not immediately claim the subsequent assault on the Eternity C, a common practice for them.