The Israeli Air Force has released footage of an airstrike on the Galaxy Leader, a ship hijacked by Houthi forces. The vessel, repurposed for surveillance, was targeted at Ras Isa port. In retaliation, Houthi forces launched missiles, escalating maritime security concerns amid ongoing regional conflicts and tensions.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, expressed his relief at the release of the 25-member crew of the MV Galaxy Leader, who had been held captive for over a year. The crew was taken hostage in November 2023 while passing through the Red Sea.
In 2023, rebels with Iranian backing released 25 sailors from the Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader after mediation by Oman. The crew, consisting of mariners from various countries, was hijacked due to the ship’s connection to Israel. Despite a recent ceasefire, the rebels warned of potential resumption of attacks on ships in international waters.
The crew of the Galaxy Leader has been held hostage by Houthis in Yemen for 429 days, but hope arises for their release following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. A Houthi official indicated that the crew could be freed soon, while the global shipping crisis continues to impact the economy significantly.
The crew of the hijacked vessel Galaxy Leader, consisting of 25 members from various countries, will mark a year in captivity by Houthi forces on November 19, 2024. Despite deteriorating health and limited communication, the crew remains hostage. Global outrage and calls for their immediate release continue.
The Red Sea region remains tense as the Houthis continue attacks, consulting with Hamas. The fate of the car carrier Galaxy Leader is in Hamas’ hands, while the Houthis threaten to expand attacks into the Indian Ocean. Recent targeting of vessels based on outdated information has raised security concerns. The crew of the Galaxy Leader, mostly Filipino, remains captive, with their release dependent on the situation in Gaza.
