A cargo vessel operated by Japanese transport firm Nippon Yusen (NYK Line) has been seized by Yemen’s Houthi militants within the Purple Sea.
The vessel, named Galaxy Chief, is a British-owned ship chartered by NYK Line for transporting vehicles.
As reported, the crew of twenty-two, together with Bulgarians and Filipinos however no Japanese or Israelis, is confirmed to be on board.
Japan’s transport ministry and NYK Line are actively confirming the crew members’ security and the incident’s particulars.
The Houthi rebels, allies of Tehran and backed by Iran, claimed accountability for seizing the ship, asserting it as an act of focusing on Israeli-affiliated vessels.
They acknowledged the crew is being handled in accordance with Islamic ideas.
Nevertheless, Israel clarified that it has no involvement within the vessel’s possession or operation, and no Israelis had been onboard.
Israel labeled the incident as an act of Iranian terrorism, escalating tensions and impacting the safety of worldwide transport routes.
The cargo ship was en route from Turkey to India, crusing between Saudi Arabia and Sudan, as per the final indicators acquired.
The Houthis, escalating their offensive, have been launching missile and drone assaults on Israel in solidarity with Palestinian Hamas militants within the ongoing Gaza battle.
Houthis Sponsored by Iran
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea warned that any ship affiliated with Israel could be a reliable goal, emphasizing their dedication to operations in opposition to Israel till the Gaza offensive ceases.
Main Israeli media shops recommend the ship’s proudly owning firm might need Israeli connections, doubtlessly influencing the Houthis’ focusing on choice.
The Houthi rebels, considerably empowered by Iran, have elevated actions within the Purple Sea, threatening navigation security.
In response, Japan’s Coast Guard has issued warnings to all Japanese ships within the area, and Japan’s protection officers are gathering extra details about the incident.
The seize of Galaxy Chief, now doubtlessly a bargaining chip in negotiations, marks a regarding escalation in regional maritime safety.
