Houthi Rebels Hijack Cargo Ship Galaxy Leader in Red Sea

The ship, linked to an Israeli businessman and leased to a Japanese company, was seized in a helicopter raid; the international crew's condition remains unknown.

Houthi rebels in Yemen hijacked the Galaxy Leader, a cargo ship registered under a British company partially owned by an Israeli businessman, via a helicopter raid in the Red Sea.
The ship, flying under a Bahamian flag, was leased out to Japanese company Nippon Yusen and was traveling from Turkey to India at the time of the hijacking.
The crew of 25, including citizens of Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania, were held at gunpoint; their current condition is unknown.
Houthi rebels claimed they targeted the ship due to its ties to Israel, warning that any Israeli-linked vessels will be considered 'legitimate targets' until the war in Gaza ends.
Israeli officials, the U.S. State Department, and the Japanese government have condemned the incident, with the latter reportedly initiating negotiation efforts with the Houthi rebels for the crew's release.