Iran-backed Houthi rebels have claimed a major victory after sinking a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, marking a dangerous escalation in their campaign against ships allegedly linked to Israel. The attack has prompted swift retaliation from Israel, raising fears of a broader regional conflict as commercial shipping faces unprecedented threats in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
At a glance:
• Yemen’s Houthi group successfully sank the Magic Seas vessel using drones, missiles and unmanned boats
• All 22 crew members were safely evacuated before the vessel sank
• Israel responded with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen using approximately 20 fighter jets
• The Houthis have targeted over 100 commercial vessels since November 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians
• Major shipping companies continue to avoid the Red Sea route due to ongoing security concerns
Houthis Sink Commercial Vessel, Claim Victory Against Israel
In a bold escalation of their maritime campaign, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have successfully sunk a commercial cargo ship in the Red Sea. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced the attack on the Magic Seas vessel involved “two unmanned boats, five ballistic and cruise missiles, and three drones,” overwhelming the ship’s defenses.
The Liberian-flagged vessel was reportedly targeted for allegedly violating the Houthis’ ban on entry to Israeli ports, marking the second ship sunk by the Iran-backed group since they began attacking commercial shipping in late 2023. The incident occurred approximately 100 kilometers southwest of the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida.
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
Israel Retaliates With Airstrikes on Yemen
In response to the Houthi attack, Israel launched a significant military operation against targets in Yemen. The Israeli military deployed approximately 20 fighter jets to strike Houthi-controlled ports and infrastructure, which they claim are used to smuggle weapons from Iran.
“These ports are used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons from the Iranian regime, which are employed to carry out terrorist operations against the state of Israel and its allies,” stated the Israeli military in its official announcement. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz delivered a stern warning, declaring that “Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off.”
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
Growing Threat to Global Shipping
The sinking of the Magic Seas represents a significant escalation in a campaign that has disrupted one of the world’s most crucial shipping lanes. Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted more than 100 commercial vessels, forcing major shipping companies like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd to avoid the Red Sea route entirely.
The Houthi definition of ships violating their “ban” on entry to Israeli ports could potentially affect one-sixth of the global commercial fleet, according to maritime security experts. This growing threat comes alongside reports of GPS jamming and electronic interference, creating multiple layers of risk for vessels attempting to navigate these contested waters.
The United Arab Emirates coordinated rescue efforts with the UK Maritime Trade Operations, successfully evacuating all 22 crew members from the sinking vessel. This incident marks the fourth known crew fatality since the Houthi maritime campaign began, with the group having previously seized another vessel and killed four sailors in separate attacks.
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Author: Editorial Team
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