Cargo Ship Hijacked in the Red Sea
Ship Seized by Iran-Backed Houthis
Overt Operator
November 20, 2023
A cargo ship has been hijacked in the Red Sea by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen, with up to 22 crew members believed to have been taken hostage. The ship, registered under a British company and partly owned by an Israeli businessman, is Bahaman-flagged and leased to a Japanese company. It was intercepted as it traveled past the Arabian Peninsula on its way to India. The ship, believed to be the Galaxy Leader, has become the latest target of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Houthis.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has denied any Israeli citizens were on board but has described the incident as a "grave incident." Israel has recently faced attacks from the Houthis, who have launched long-range missiles and drone salvoes in support of Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. Last week, the Houthi leader announced further attacks on Israel, including the targeting of Israeli ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
In a statement on a social media site, the IDF emphasized the global consequences of the hijacking:
"The hijacking of a cargo ship by the Houthis near Yemen in the southern Red Sea is a very grave incident of global consequence. The ship, staffed by civilians of various nationalities, departed Turkey on its way to India. It is not an Israeli ship."
The hijacking of the cargo ship highlights the escalating tensions in the region and the growing influence of Iranian-backed rebels. The Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait are important maritime routes for global trade, making the security of these waters a matter of international concern.
As news of the hijacking spreads, governments and international organizations are closely monitoring the situation and assessing potential responses. The safety and well-being of the crew members taken hostage are of utmost importance, and efforts are underway to ensure their swift and safe release.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East and the broader implications for global security. The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Houthis not only threatens regional stability but also has the potential to impact international trade and maritime operations in the Red Sea.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely watching for any developments and taking necessary steps to address this act of piracy.