Houthi Forces Ignite Tensions with Cargo Ship Assault in the Red Sea After Ceasefire

A recent publication by reuters highlights a concerning incident involving a cargo ship in the red Sea, marking the first attack on commercial shipping in that region since mid-April. The Greek-operated, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, known as Magic Seas, was abandoned by its crew after it began taking on water due to the assault. Fortunately, another merchant vessel nearby came to their rescue without any reported injuries.

This attack unfolded approximately 51 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Hodeidah port, an area under the control of Iran-backed Houthi rebels. While no group immediately took responsibility for this act of aggression, maritime security firms like Ambrey noted that it bore all the hallmarks of typical Houthi operations.

Later reports from Houthi media confirmed their involvement but lacked further specifics.According to UK Maritime Trade operations (UKMTO) and Ambrey’s analysis, eight small boats armed with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades initiated the assault on Magic Seas. In response, the ship’s armed security team returned fire.

The situation escalated when four Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), essentially drone boats loaded with explosives, targeted Magic Seas directly. Two of these USVs struck its port side and inflicted damage on its cargo; however, two others were neutralized by security personnel onboard.

The resulting fire forced the crew to abandon ship as it began taking on water rapidly. Thankfully, they were rescued by another passing merchant vessel shortly thereafter.

Security analysts from firms such as Diaplous and EOS Risk Group confirmed that Magic Seas had an armed team aboard while navigating north through these perilous waters at the time of attack based on AIS data.

Expert Mohammad al-Basha shared insights in his report regarding this incident; he views it as a clear message from Houthis demonstrating their ongoing capability and intent to target significant maritime assets despite any political negotiations or diplomatic efforts underway.

Tensions are running high due to various geopolitical conflicts including those involving Israel-Hamas relations and U.S.-Iran hostilities following airstrikes against Iranian nuclear sites earlier this year. The Houthis have issued threats aimed at U.S. vessels if American support for Israel persists amid these conflicts.

since November 2023 when they began targeting ships in solidarity with Palestinians—over 100 attacks have been recorded along with two ships sunk and one seized—these actions have resulted in fatalities among seafarers too.

In May 2025, former President Donald Trump announced a halt to U.S.bombings against houthi targets following a ceasefire agreement which included promises from Houthis not to strike vessels within crucial shipping lanes—a fragile understanding now seemingly at risk given recent events.