Houthi Attacks Kill Four Seafarers Off Yemen Coast

A series of deadly attacks have targeted Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carriers in the Red Sea off Yemen, with the Houthi rebels widely blamed for the assaults. The bulk carrier Eternity C was attacked with sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades fired from manned speedboats, resulting in at least four crew members killed and others missing or injured, forcing the crew to abandon ship. These attacks mark a resumption of Houthi targeting of commercial vessels, which began in 2023 in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, disrupting a vital maritime trade route. The Houthis also claimed responsibility for an earlier strike on the MV Magic Seas, another Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated vessel, which was reportedly sunk, though all crew were rescued. International responses include strong condemnations from the U.S. Embassy, EU naval forces, the International Maritime Organization, and the U.S. State Department, highlighting threats to freedom of navigation and regional security. With the Red Sea a critical corridor for global shipping, these escalating attacks raise concerns about renewed conflict involving U.S. and Western forces amid the broader Middle East tensions.