A team from the international Red Cross visited the 25-member crew aboard the Galaxy Leader vessel, hijacked by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Hodeidah. Coordinated with local authorities, the visit aimed to monitor detention conditions and facilitate communication with families. Crew members from various countries are reportedly in good health, but some face health issues.
In a recent maritime assault, the Houthis employed their new double-hit strategy for the second time in five days, targeting a Greek-owned cargo ship bound for India. The crew lost control of the vessel after a small boat and an aerial attack. This escalation in tactics highlights the need for increased vigilance and coordinated responses to ensure maritime security in the region.
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 Recent targeting of vessels based on outdated information has raised security concerns.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.
