Greek-Owned Ship Attacked, Crew Abandons Vessel in Red Sea

Crew members abandoned the Greek-owned Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas after it was attacked and set ablaze in the Red Sea, marking the first serious assault on shipping in the vital trade corridor following a months-long campaign by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The attack involved small arms, rocket-propelled grenades, and bomb-carrying drone boats, with security teams on board returning fire. The Houthis have not officially claimed responsibility, but suspicion and accusations from Yemen's exiled government link the rebels to the attack, noting their capability and willingness to target strategic maritime assets. This escalation comes amid sensitive regional tensions, including a possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and ongoing deliberations over Iran's nuclear program after American and Israeli airstrikes. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center confirmed the ongoing situation and fire aboard the ship, highlighting the risk of renewed U.S. and Western military involvement in the region, particularly after President Donald Trump's prior airstrike campaigns targeting the Houthis. The incident underscores the broader geopolitical conflict involving Iranian-backed militias using Yemen as a platform to challenge regional stability and maritime security.