Yemen’s Seized Ship by Houthis Transformed into a Tourist Attraction

In a surprising turn of events, the Japanese-operated cargo ship “Galaxy Leader” was hijacked by Yemeni Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on 19 November. The ship, reportedly with Israeli connections, was seized by the rebels, sparking fears of regional tensions escalating. The incident led to the hostage-taking of 25 crew members and raised concerns about the regional implications, as the Houthi rebels have been engaged in military operations against Israel.

The hijacking was seen as a response to the ship’s alleged connection to Israel, with Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea confirming ongoing military operations against Israel. While Hamas applauded the move, Israel denied any links to the ship, labeling the incident as an “Iranian act of terrorism.” Iran, accused of supporting Houthi rebels, dismissed these claims, highlighting the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Despite the diplomatic tensions, onboard the hijacked ship, an unexpected scene unfolded as Houthi youth and Yemeni social media influencers turned the “Galaxy Leader” into a tourist attraction. Videos and images circulated on social media depict a hijacking hoedown, complete with coordinated dance moves, photo shoots, and hookah sessions. Despite the festive atmosphere, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea issued a warning to ships affiliated with Israel, stating that they will become legitimate targets for the armed forces. Recent incidents, such as the reported capture of pirates attempting to hijack another Israeli-linked ship, highlight the rising risks in global shipping. The hijacking of the “Galaxy Leader” has turned a potentially dangerous situation into an unconventional dance party on the high seas, providing a unique and unexpected twist to the ongoing geopolitical scenario in the Red Sea.

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