Yemen's Houthi rebels have released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier seized in November 2023 amid their broader attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor.
The move is part of the rebels' ongoing effort to de-escalate tensions following a ceasefire in Gaza. However, it coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump's push to reinstate a terrorism designation for the Houthis—an action previously revoked by President Joe Biden—raising concerns of renewed pressures.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The Galaxy Leader incident highlights the Houthis' growing involvement in maritime attacks, which have disrupted crucial shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These attacks have deepened the geopolitical divide, impacting global trade routes and exacerbating tensions in the region.
What To Know
The Houthis released the 25-member crew of the Galaxy Leader—comprising mariners from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Mexico—following intervention by Oman. The crew was transported to Omani capital Muscat, where they were greeted by officials. Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the return of 17 Filipino crew members, expressing "utmost joy" over their safe return.
U.N. Welcomes Houthi Action
Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry confirmed the release of two Bulgarian crew members, Captain Lyubomir Chanev and Assistant Captain Danail Veselinov. The United Nations' Hans Grundberg welcomed the release while urging the Houthis to continue positive actions, including ending maritime attacks.
Links To Israel
The Galaxy Leader was seized due to its affiliation with Israeli billionaire Abraham "Rami" Ungar. The hijacking marked the beginning of a broader campaign by the Houthis, involving over 100 merchant vessels targeted by missiles and drones since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. While the Houthis claimed their attacks were aimed at Israeli, U.S. or U.K.-linked ships, several vessels had little to no such connection.
What People Are Saying
Hans Grundberg, United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen: "This is heartwarming news that puts an end to the arbitrary detention and separation that they and their families endured for more than a year. This is a step in the right direction, and I urge Ansar Allah to continue these positive steps on all fronts, including ending all maritime attacks."
Houthi statement: "This step comes in support of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza."
Mohammed al-Basha, Yemen Expert at the Basha Report risk-advisory firm: "This gesture by the Houthis may be intended as a goodwill measure toward the new Trump administration."
What Happens Next
The future of the Galaxy Leader, still moored off the Yemeni port of Hodeida, remains uncertain as the Houthis' ceasefire in Gaza holds. Despite the crew's release, the Houthis have signaled a continued focus on Israeli-affiliated ships, potentially escalating the already fragile situation in the Red Sea corridor. As the U.S. resumes its focus on countering Houthi actions, the release could signal a temporary shift in the rebels' approach.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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