Key points
- The Greek bulk carrier Magic Seas was attacked in the Red Sea, attacked with a grenade launcher and surface drones, the crew was saved thanks to a merchant ship.
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Israel responded with airstrikes on Yemeni ports and a power plant, accusing the Houthis of involvement in attacks on its territory.
Israel Bombs Houthi Ports / Unsplash
The Greek bulk carrier Magic Seas, which flies under the Liberian flag, was attacked in the Red Sea. The attack resembles the tactics of Yemen's Houthis, although no one has officially claimed responsibility. Israel launched a series of strikes on ports in Yemen the same day, accusing the Houthis of involvement in attacks on its territory.
This was reported by Channel 24, citing Bloomberg.
How the Magic Seas Attack Happened
According to maritime security sources, the attack on the Magic Seas occurred on July 6 off the coast of Yemen. First, boats opened fire with a rocket-propelled grenade, and then four surface drones attacked the vessel, two of which crashed into its port side.
A fire broke out on the vessel, damaging its cargo. The bulk carrier's armed guards returned fire, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Office (UKMTO) and private security firm Ambrey said. The bulk carrier's crew were forced to flee after the attack. They were picked up by a merchant vessel passing the scene.
Israel responded with airstrikes
In response to the attack, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on the Yemeni ports of Hodeida, Ras Isa and Al-Salif, as well as a power plant in the city of Hodeida, on July 6. The Israeli military said this was retaliation for repeated Houthi attacks on Israeli territory.
Although the Houthis have not officially claimed responsibility, private security firm Ambrey said the attack pattern was consistent with the group's tactics. The last time a similar incident occurred in the region was in mid-April.
Earlier, in May, US President Donald Trump said that the Houthis had agreed to stop attacks in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. However, in June, the militants again threatened to strike if the US intervened in the Israeli-Iranian conflict. Following the US attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran, the Houthis have not yet confirmed whether they will carry out their threat.
