Houthi Rebels Release Crew of Seized Vessel Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions

Yemen’s Houthi rebels released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a vessel seized in November 2023 amid attacks linked to the Israel-Hamas war. The release followed mediation from Oman and was requested by Hamas, involving 25 sailors of various nationalities. The move signifies the Houthis’ intention to limit future assaults on international shipping, particularly targeting Israeli interests as tensions continue in the region.

On November 19, 2023, Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced the release of the crew from the Galaxy Leader, a commercial vessel seized earlier during their operations amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The release was facilitated by Omani mediation, although Oman has yet to confirm this information officially. The crew consisted of 25 sailors from several nations, including the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico, and their release was encouraged by Hamas as part of ongoing ceasefire efforts.

The incident illustrates the complex geopolitical context in the Red Sea, where the Houthis have intensified their focus on shipping routes amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Galaxy Leader, affiliated with an Israeli billionaire, was one of many vessels targeted as part of the Houthis’ campaign against perceived Israeli connections. Since the conflict escalated in October 2023, Houthi launched over 100 attacks, resulting in significant disruptions to maritime traffic essential for global trade, particularly impacting Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues.

The release of the Galaxy Leader’s crew signals a potential shift in Houthi maritime strategy following a ceasefire in Gaza. However, concerns remain about the safety of international shipping in the region, as the Houthis have hinted at continuing attacks on Israeli-affiliated vessels. This developing situation underscores the volatile dynamics in the Red Sea, compounded by ongoing regional tensions that affect global trade flows.

Original Source: apnews.com