On 06–07 July 2025, Israel carried out coordinated airstrikes on multiple sites in Yemen, including the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif, as well as the Ras Qantib power plant. One of the prominent targets was the Galaxy Leader, a Japanese-operated cargo vessel linked to an Israeli businessman, which had been under Houthi control since 2023.
The airstrikes came in response to the launch of three ballistic missiles from Yemen toward Israel and a separate maritime attack on the Magic Seas, a Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated cargo ship transiting the Red Sea. The ship sustained damage, was abandoned by its crew, and was later recovered through a multinational rescue operation.
Maritime Domain Under Threat Amid Regional Escalation
The Israeli military stated that the Galaxy Leader had been repurposed by Houthi forces as a maritime surveillance platform. Although civilian evacuation advisories were reportedly issued before the strikes, no casualties were immediately reported.
This marks the first Israeli strike on Yemen since a temporary ceasefire was brokered between the Houthis and the United States in May 2025. The renewed conflict underscores the fragile security balance in the Red Sea and the wider geopolitical landscape, already strained by the ongoing Israel–Hamas war and activities of regional actors like Hezbollah.
Impact on Shipping and Global Supply Chains
The strike on the Magic Seas is the first major maritime incident in several months and has sparked concern over the safety of shipping lanes near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Past disruptions in this region have led to re-routing of vessels, increased insurance premiums, and delayed shipments—raising the risk of ripple effects across global trade routes.
Outlook
Further military responses or counterattacks remain possible. Heightened risk to maritime assets and energy infrastructure in the Red Sea region will likely prompt increased naval patrols and contingency planning. Businesses operating in or around this corridor are advised to stay alert and evaluate security and supply chain exposures.
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