It is the Houthi rebels’ second attack on a merchant vessel in the Red Sea this week, and their first deadly ship attack since June 2024.

The Yemeni militia, backed by Iran, said it had sunk a Liberian-flagged cargo ship in the Red Sea. Liberia said the attack killed two crew members.

The US Embassy in Yemen said on Wednesday night on X: “After killing their comrades, sinking their ship and obstructing rescue efforts, Houthi terrorists have abducted several surviving Eternity C crew members. We demand their immediate and unconditional release.”

A little over two months ago, Donald Trump was emphatic in claiming to have halted Houthi militants’ attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

At least three crew members were killed and an unknown number of the mostly Filipino crew were missing at sea or being held hostage after Houthi rebels attacked and sank a Greek bulk carrier ship in t

Israel has called on Washington to resume its strikes on Houthis after the militant group resumed its attacks on shipping. The request comes more than two months after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire deal with the militant group, the culmination of a campaign of air and naval strikes against targets in Yemen.

The Houthis seemingly disregarded their agreement with the U.S. this week when they carried out two of their most aggressive attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.

Russia escalates attacks on Kyiv while Houthis intensify maritime strikes, deepening global tensions and forcing cautious Western recalibration.