In a significant development, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has freed the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a cargo ship they hijacked in the Red Sea 14 months ago. The release, facilitated by Omani mediators, comes amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East and marks a step forward in easing maritime disruptions in the region.
Crew released after prolonged ordeal
The Galaxy Leader’s 25-member crew, which included 17 Filipinos, three Ukrainians, two Bulgarians, two Mexicans, and a Romanian, were handed over to Omani officials, according to Houthi-owned Al Masirah TV on Wednesday. The ship, sailing under the flag of the Bahamas, had been used primarily to transport vehicles.
The freed Filipino seafarers are now under the care of the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman. In a statement, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed relief, saying, “The crew will soon be reunited with their loved ones in the Philippines.”
The crew’s release follows a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which ended 15 months of hostilities in Gaza. The Houthis, who had declared their attacks in the Red Sea as part of their support for Hamas, had previously insisted they would only cease operations once Israel halted its offensive in Gaza.
Hijacking and escalation
The ordeal began in November 2023, when Houthi fighters descended from a helicopter bearing Yemeni and Palestinian flags to seize the Galaxy Leader. The hijacking was part of the Houthis’ broader campaign of maritime and missile attacks aimed at supporting Hamas in its conflict with Israel.
The hijacking and subsequent attacks led to significant disruptions in one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes. Shipping and oil companies suspended operations in the Red Sea due to safety concerns, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the Houthis’ actions.
International reactions
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), described the release as a “profound relief.” He emphasised the importance of diplomacy in addressing such crises, stating, “Innocent seafarers must not become collateral victims in wider geopolitical tensions.”
United Nations special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, echoed this sentiment, calling the release “heartwarming” and commending the end of the crew’s arbitrary detention.
A broader geopolitical context
The Houthis, a key faction in Yemen’s civil war that has raged for over a decade, have played a pivotal role in recent Middle Eastern conflicts. Over the past year, they have launched missile attacks on Israel and targeted several vessels in the Red Sea.
Although most of their missile strikes were intercepted by Israeli air defences, Israel responded with airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. The United States and the United Kingdom, both allies of Israel, also carried out strikes against Houthi targets, underscoring the international dimension of the conflict.
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The Galaxy Leader was among dozens of ships targeted during the Houthis’ campaign, which drew widespread condemnation from the global community. Filipino foreign affairs official Eduardo de Vega noted in early 2024 that negotiations with the Houthis were severely constrained by the broader hostilities in Gaza.
A fragile path forward
While the release of the Galaxy Leader crew is a positive development, it also highlights the fragility of the region’s security. The Red Sea, a vital maritime artery for global trade, remains vulnerable to disruptions stemming from geopolitical tensions.
The Houthis’ actions over the past year have drawn international attention to Yemen’s ongoing civil war and the group’s influence beyond its borders. As efforts to stabilise the region continue, the release of the ship’s crew serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of diplomacy in resolving complex crises.
Observers hope this breakthrough signals a shift towards de-escalation in the Red Sea and broader Middle Eastern conflicts. However, the situation remains uncertain, with Yemen’s civil war and its regional implications far from resolved.
