Overview

• The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas was struck by armed skiffs, rocket-propelled grenades, missiles and bomb-laden drone boats off Hodeidah, forcing its 22 crew to abandon ship before rescue; the vessel later sank.
• Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesman, claimed responsibility for using missiles and drone boats in the assault on the Magic Seas.
• The Israel Defense Forces targeted Hodeidah, Ras Isa and Salif ports as well as the Ras al Khatib power plant in early-July airstrikes aimed at degrading Houthi maritime infrastructure.
• Houthis responded with a missile volley at Israel, prompting interception attempts by the Israeli military and marking a direct counterattack.
• The Red Sea corridor handles more than $1 trillion in annual trade, and the renewed hostilities risk further delays and higher shipping costs.