Dramatic Helicopter Raid: Iran-Backed Commandos Hijack Cargo Ship
A startling video has emerged showing a daring raid by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, capturing a cargo ship in the Red Sea.
Helicopter Hover: A Startling Seizure at Sea
In a daring operation, Houthi militants, supported by Iran, commandeered the Galaxy Leader, an internationally recognized cargo vessel. The raid, executed with a military helicopter, occurred in the geopolitically sensitive waters of the Red Sea.
Dramatic Footage Reveals the Raid's Intensity
Recently released video footage by the Houthi group vividly captures the raid's dramatic unfolding. The four-minute clip showcases armed militants descending from a helicopter onto the deck of the Bahamas-flagged ship, Galaxy Leader, in a meticulously orchestrated operation.
Political Undertones: A Conflict-Driven Hijack
A Houthi spokesperson claimed the hijacking was a direct response to Israel's actions against Hamas, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The group warned that any vessels linked with Israel would be at risk of similar actions.
Israeli authorities refuted the Houthi claims, clarifying that the Galaxy Leader is neither Israeli-owned nor bound. The ship, connected to a British and Japanese enterprise, was traveling from Turkey to India. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office condemned the act as 'Iranian terrorism,' highlighting its potential threat to global maritime security.
Hostage Crisis and Diplomatic Efforts
The fate of the Galaxy Leader's crew, comprising various nationalities, remains uncertain. Efforts by the Japanese government to negotiate their release are underway, amidst rising international concerns over the incident's potential fallout.
Broader Context: A Pattern of Regional Aggression
This incident is part of a broader pattern of aggression by Iran-backed groups in the region, including Hezbollah and other militias in Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria, intensifying hostilities against Israel and US forces.
