Ankara: The US embassy in Yemen announced that the Houthi group has kidnapped the crew of a cargo ship in the Red Sea following a violent attack. The incident occurred after the Houthis reportedly targeted and sank the Eternity C, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier, as it was heading toward the port of Eilat in southern Israel.

According to Anadolu Agency, the US embassy released a statement on X condemning the attack, stating, "After killing their shipmates, sinking their ship and hampering rescue efforts, the Houthi terrorists have kidnapped many surviving crew members of the Eternity C." The embassy called for the "immediate and unconditional safe release" of the kidnapped crew members.

The Houthi group's military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, confirmed the attack on the Eternity C, claiming that Houthi forces used a drone boat and six cruise and ballistic missiles to sink the ship. Saree stated that the operation was fully documented with audio and video evidence and that some crew members were rescued, provided with medical care, and transferred to a safe location. He did not specify the number of crew members involved or if there were any casualties.

The US State Department issued a statement condemning the "unprovoked Houthi terror attacks" on the civilian cargo vessels MV Magic Seas and MV Eternity C. The department highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels to regional economic and maritime security and freedom of navigation.

The EU Naval Force described the attack on the Eternity C as a suspected Houthi assault. This incident is part of a series of attacks by the Houthis on ships traversing the Red and Arabian seas, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. These attacks, which began in late 2023, are reportedly a show of solidarity with the Gaza Strip amidst an Israeli onslaught that has resulted in significant casualties.