Houthi Rebels Free Crew of Seized Commercial Vessel in Red Sea

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have released the crew of the hijacked Galaxy Leader after mediation by Oman, following their campaign against shipping linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This release, which included personnel from multiple countries, reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to mitigate tensions in the Red Sea, despite previous extensive attacks on merchant vessels.

In a recent announcement, Yemen’s Houthi rebels confirmed the release of the crew of the commercial vessel Galaxy Leader, which they had seized in the Red Sea in November 2023. The release was facilitated by mediation from Oman, a country that has historically acted as an intermediary for the Houthis. The crew, consisting of 25 mariners from various countries, was freed in response to a request from Hamas.

The seizure of the Galaxy Leader marked the beginning of a series of Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, a response precipitated by the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Following a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, the Houthis indicated a shift in their maritime strategy, pledging to limit attacks solely to vessels affiliated with Israel. This shift is essential, given the significant decline in shipping traffic through the Red Sea, impacting the economic revenue of Egypt and international trade operations.

The release of the Galaxy Leader’s crew highlights diplomatic efforts amid ongoing tensions in the region. While the Houthis have pledged to reduce their maritime aggressions, the safety of international shipping remains precarious given the potential for renewed hostilities. This situation underscores the delicate balance of power and the far-reaching implications of regional conflicts on global trade routes.

Original Source: apnews.com