Israel targets seized Galaxy Leader in latest Yemen
Israel Strikes Houthi-Controlled Vessel in Yemen
In a significant military operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed airstrikes targeting the Galaxy Leader, a commercial car carrier seized by Houthi forces late last year. The strikes occurred early Monday and were part of a broader campaign against Yemeni ports and infrastructure. Israeli intelligence identified the vessel as a critical asset for the Houthis, equipped with a radar system used to monitor shipping activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Operation Black Flag Targets Houthi Infrastructure
The IDF’s operation, dubbed Operation Black Flag, focused on military infrastructure at key locations including the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif, as well as the Ras Qantib power plant. These sites have been utilized by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement to launch attacks on maritime targets and Israel, which the group claims is in support of Palestinians in Gaza. The Israeli military stated that the Galaxy Leader had become a vital node in the Houthis’ efforts to disrupt international trade and pose a threat to Israel.
“The Houthi terrorist regime’s forces installed a radar system on the ship and are using it to track vessels in international maritime space,” the IDF declared. The military emphasized that the operation was a direct response to ongoing Houthi actions against Israel, warning that the group, known as Ansar Allah, would face severe consequences. While no casualties have been reported from the strikes, the extent of the damage to the Galaxy Leader and the Ras Isa terminal remains unclear. Maritime security firm Ambrey noted the presence of two additional vessels alongside the Galaxy Leader during the attack, with investigations into the damage ongoing.
The Galaxy Leader has been under Houthi control since November 2023, following its hijacking in the Red Sea, marking one of the most notable maritime seizures amid the ongoing conflict. The Israeli airstrikes occurred shortly after a suspected Houthi missile attack on another vessel off the coast of Hodeidah, which forced the crew to abandon ship due to flooding. This latest escalation highlights the increasing tensions in the region and the ongoing threat posed by Houthi forces to maritime security.
