Iran-backed Houthi militants have released a video showing armed individuals hijacking a cargo ship bound for India in the Red Sea. The militants assert that the hijacking is in response to the ship's connection to Israel and declare intentions to target more ships in international waters.
Disputed Ownership: Israel vs. Houthi Claims Contrary to Houthi claims, Israel contends that the seized Galaxy Leader ship is British-owned and Japanese-operated. The authenticity of the video, released by Houthi TV channel Al Masirah, remains unverified.
Details of the Hijacking The video depicts approximately 10 armed individuals boarding the ship, taking control of the bridge, and small boats moving around and alongside the vessel. The ship's owner, Galaxy Maritime Ltd, reports that it was illegally boarded via helicopter and is now in Yemen's Hodeidah port.
International Response: U.S. Denounces Seizure The United States condemns the ship's seizure as a violation of international law. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller demands the immediate release of the vessel and its multinational crew. The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader's crew consists of nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania.
Concerns for Crew and International Trade Galaxy Maritime expresses concerns about the safety and security of the 25 crew members held by the perpetrators, emphasizing the violation of freedom of passage and the serious threat to international trade.
Houthi Justification and Israeli Response Houthi militants justify the hijacking, citing the ship's connection to Israel, and vow to target more ships until the end of Israel's campaign against Gaza's Hamas rulers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office attributes the attack to the Houthis, clarifying that no Israelis were on board the seized ship.
