Houthis Sink Ships, Cite Solidarity With Palestinians

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels escalated attacks in the Red Sea over three days, sinking two Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated cargo ships—the Magic Seas and Eternity C—killing at least four crew members and leaving 15 missing. The attacks, using drones, missiles, and rocket-propelled grenades, represent the deadliest assaults by the Houthis against commercial shipping. The rebels claim the attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. These incidents have reignited global concern over maritime security in the Red Sea and contributed to a rise in oil prices. Despite U.S. and EU naval interventions, the Houthis continue to demonstrate the ability to disrupt shipping, highlighting the limits of recent ceasefires and military campaigns. Shipping industry leaders have called for stronger international protection for seafarers.