Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed their first major maritime victory of 2025 after sinking a commercial vessel in the Red Sea. The attack marks a dangerous escalation in the ongoing threats to global shipping lanes as Israel responds with airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.
At a glance:
• Houthi rebels sank the Liberian-flagged Magic Seas vessel using a combination of unmanned boats, missiles, and drones
• All 22 crew members were rescued by United Arab Emirates forces after being allowed to evacuate
• Israel responded with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports and infrastructure in Yemen
• The Houthis have targeted over 100 commercial vessels since November 2023, killing four crew members
• Major shipping companies continue to avoid the Red Sea route due to safety concerns
Houthis Sink Ship, Target Israel-Linked Vessels
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for sinking a commercial cargo ship in the Red Sea over the weekend, their first successful maritime attack of 2025. The Liberian-flagged vessel Magic Seas was hit by “two unmanned boats, five ballistic and cruise missiles, and three drones,” according to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree.
The attack occurred approximately 100 kilometers southwest of the Yemeni port of Hodeida, forcing the crew to abandon ship as water began flooding the vessel. All 22 crew members were safely evacuated before the ship sank, with the United Arab Emirates coordinating rescue operations alongside UK Maritime Trade Operations.
The Houthis claimed the attack was justified because the Magic Seas had violated their ban on entry to Israeli ports. Since October 2023, the rebel group has targeted more than 100 commercial vessels in the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and disrupting one of the world’s most vital maritime trade routes.
Yesterday, Iran-backed Houthis sunk Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier MAGIC SEAS in the Red Sea, 51NM southwest of Hodeidah, Yemen, UKMTO confirms. The 63,301-dwt vessel, carrying fertilizer from China to Egypt, was hit in a coordinated attack by armed Houthi speedboats,… pic.twitter.com/4V72JlT9kL
— Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) July 7, 2025
Israel Retaliates With Airstrikes on Houthi Targets
Israel’s military launched immediate retaliatory airstrikes against Houthi-controlled ports and infrastructure in Yemen. Approximately 20 Israeli fighter jets participated in the operation, striking targets that the Israeli military claimed were “used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons from the Iranian regime.”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning following the strikes, declaring, “What’s true for Iran is true for Yemen. Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off.” The Houthis responded defiantly, with military spokesman Yahya Saree stating they are “fully prepared for a sustained and prolonged confrontation” with Israel.
Following Israel’s airstrikes, the Houthis launched several missiles toward Israeli territory. While the Houthis claimed successful strikes, no casualties were reported inside Israel, further demonstrating the ineffectiveness of their long-range attacks compared to their maritime operations.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim the cargo ship, the Magic Seas, has sunk after they attacked in the Red Sea.
The crew of 22 was forced to abandon ship and was reportedly rescued by a passing merchant vessel.
https://t.co/hNH6AaRqSI pic.twitter.com/K0a69ScUSC
— DW News (@dwnews) July 7, 2025
Global Shipping Routes Under Continued Threat
The attack on Magic Seas was not an isolated incident, as Houthi forces targeted a second Liberian-flagged cargo ship within 24 hours. Maritime security experts warn that the risk to shipping operations has intensified dramatically, especially for vessels with any connection to Israel.
Major shipping companies including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd continue to avoid the Red Sea route entirely due to safety concerns. The Houthis’ definition of ships violating their “ban” on entry to Israeli ports could affect approximately one-sixth of the global shipping fleet, according to maritime security expert Ami Daniel.
Ship operators now face additional challenges beyond direct attacks, including GPS jamming and electronic interference. These tactics were evidenced by gaps in AIS broadcasts from vessels transiting the region, creating dangerous navigation conditions in an already perilous maritime environment.
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Author: Editorial Team
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