LONDON: An Israeli ship named “Galaxy Leader” has reportedly been hijacked by Yemen’s Houthi militia in the Red Sea. The vessel, which had 22 people on board, is said to have fallen victim to Houthi actions, according to media reports on Sunday.
According to Arab News, citing sources, none of the persons on the ship were Israeli nationals. The Houthi spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, announced on the group’s Telegram channel that they would target all ships owned or operated by Israeli companies or displaying the Israeli flag. Sarea urged countries to withdraw their citizens working on crews of such ships.
According to Alarabiya News, citing Israeli sources, the Houthis seized a vessel partially owned by Israel; however, no Israeli nationals were among the ship’s crew.
Houthi Militia Warns to Target Israeli Ships
This incident follows a warning from the Houthi leader earlier in the week, where he stated that their forces would conduct further attacks on Israel, specifically targeting Israeli ships. Abdulmalik al-Houthi, in a broadcast speech, declared their vigilance in monitoring and searching for any Israeli ships in the Red Sea, particularly near Yemeni regional waters.
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The Houthi group has increased missile and drone attacks against Israel. The Houthis’ decision to attack Israeli commercial vessels in the Red Sea was made in connection with “what the Gaza Strip is being exposed to from the brutal Israeli-American aggression,” Sarea added.
Israel has increased its naval presence in the Red Sea area after repeated drone and missile attacks from Yemen.
