In a tense maritime development, Houthi rebels from Yemen seized control of a cargo ship in the Red Sea on Sunday evening. The targeted vessel, identified as the Galaxy Leader, sails under the flag of the Bahamas and operates under the management of the Japanese company Galaxy Maritime. Notably, the company is linked to British-Israeli businessman Rami Ungar and is involved in the transportation of automobiles.
The rebels, they have taken 25 crew members hostage, comprising individuals from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Mexico, according to the shipping company. The rebels,have steered the hijacked ship to the port of Hodeidah in Yemen.
U.S. Intervention and Japanese Efforts for Resolution
In response to the escalating situation, the U.S. government issued a call on Monday for the Houthi rebels to end the hijacking and release the hostages. Simultaneously, the Japanese government expressed its commitment to negotiating the release of the captive crew members through diplomatic means.
Despite these international appeals, a political leader of the Houthi faction, declared on Tuesday morning that negotiations would not commence until Israel and the United States cease their actions against Palestinians. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts underway to de-escalate tensions and secure the release of the hijacked cargo ship and its crew.
