The most recent surge in terror activities in the Red Sea witnessed a cinematic display of the Houthi militants seizing and subsequently destroying a sizable freighter. The group’s propagandistic video resonates with the film industry, showcasing drone-captured imagery of a potent blow striking the ship measuring 200 meters and camo-clad militants hastening towards the ship’s command center as in a tactical assault.
The vessel, called the Magic Seas, sailed under the Liberian flag and was handled by Greek operations. The assault transpired across July 6 and 7, witnessing no counteraction from international marine forces. The terrorist group, rooted in Yemen, is believed to have initiated the attack using an array of boats, combined with minor firearms and RPGs, proceeding to employ suicide drones.
Having successfully taken over the bulk-size carrier, the militants set off several explosives throughout the ship’s hull in unison, causing it to ultimately sink. It’s speculated that the crew had already evacuated the ship prior to the militant takeover.
Consistent with their ruthless streak, the Houthis attacked another Liberian-owned, Greek-operated ship named Eternity C on June 7, resulting in four crew fatalities and two injuries. These attacks reflect a high level of strategic planning and showcase an alarming increase in terror-oriented activities against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, disrupting the relative peace since the previous year’s December.
The video of the assault on Magic Seas bears a striking resemblance to the style employed during the Houthis’ hijack of the UK-owned Galaxy Leader in November 2023, an event that alerted the West to the emerging threat. Audio from the footage offers insight into the verbal exchange between the Yemeni Naval Forces and the ship’s captain.
The audio reveals a voice identifying himself as a member of Yemeni forces, demanding the vessel to halt. The captain dismisses the direction, citing his rights to navigate a ‘lawful passage’. The direness of the situation becomes clear as the captain is later heard signaling distress with a ‘mayday’ call over the radio, seeking ‘immediate assistance’.
The video shifts to a close-range view depicting Houthis adopting a tactical formation as they negotiate their way across the ship and entering its bridge, the windows of which show signs of damage. Moments later, trio militants are seen atop the ship’s roof, brandishing their Kalashnikov rifles and voicing religious and political chants in Arabic, essentially underlining their belief and cause.
Subsequently, seven charges are set off almost simultaneously around the ship’s hull, turning serene waters into a bubbling tumult as air finds its way out through the compromised structure of the hull. More drone footage showcases the gradual submerging of the vessel, maintaining its equilibrium till it leans forward and rapidly disappears beneath the water’s surface.
The assault took place approximately 51 nautical miles southwest from Hodeidah, a Yemini port held by the Houthis. The Houthis have issued warnings to target ships of businesses that have affiliations with Israel.
Maritime specialist Ami Daniel has warned that such a threat extends to a major chunk of global shipping, potentially affecting around 15,000 ships. In a twist of events however, a ceasefire deal was announced in May between Donald Trump and the Houthis. This included the US ceasing air strikes targeting the terrorist group, provided the Houthis refrained from assaulting US ships.
Surprisingly, the terror group’s threats concern a minor portion of the US shipping sector. However, strong condemnation was expressed by the US State Department against the ‘unprovoked Houthi terror attack on civilian cargo vessels MV Magic Seas and MV Eternity C’, pointing out the Houthi’s detrimental impact on navigation freedom and regional security.
The department further reassured that necessary measures would be taken to safeguard commercial shipping and navigation freedom, as disclosed in an official statement. Arsenio Dominguez, secretary general of the International Maritime Organization, voiced his criticism of these renewed Red Sea violations following months of tranquility.
He labeled these attacks as blatant breach of international rules and freedom of navigation. He empathized with the innocent sailors and local inhabitants who constitute the primary victims of these assaults, the aftermath of which includes pollution as well. A multinational defensive operation by the US, code-named Prosperity Guardian, was established in December 2023, with participation from 20 countries.
In a series of retaliatory attacks, Israel has recently conducted air strikes on numerous Houthi targets. Reportedly, Magic Seas embarked on its ill-fated journey from Zhuhai in China, en route to the Suez Canal. It was later reported that a United Arab Emirates-operated ship rescued the 22-member crew from their lifeboat.