Houthis Hold Nine Filipino Sailors Hostage After Ship Attack

Filipino Crew Members Captured in Red Sea Attack

Yemen's Houthi rebels have confirmed they are holding nine Filipino sailors hostage following the sinking of their cargo vessel earlier this month. The Philippine government verified the hostages' identities after Houthi forces released propaganda footage showing the captured crew members.

Condition of Hostages

Philippine Migrant Workers Minister confirmed the nine men appear physically unharmed. The published video shows hostages contacting their families in the Philippines. Rescue efforts are currently underway to secure their release.

Attack Declared War Crime

The bulk carrier Eternity C was attacked on July 7 in the Red Sea. New footage reveals Houthi forces destroying lifeboats during the assault, leaving crew members stranded at sea for hours. Human Rights Watch has classified this attack as a war crime due to the deliberate targeting of rescue equipment.

Fate of Missing Crew

Five crew members remain unaccounted for and are feared dead. Ten survivors were rescued by passing vessels, with eight already repatriated to the Philippines. The Eternity C was transporting fertilizer to Eilat, Israel when attacked.

Houthi Ultimatum

The Houthis reiterated their threat to target all commercial vessels conducting business with Israeli ports. This follows their recent sinking of another bulk carrier, Magic Seas. Rebel leaders maintain these maritime attacks will continue until Israel ends military operations in Gaza.

The ongoing blockade has severely disrupted Red Sea shipping lanes, increasing global trade costs by an estimated 15-20% according to maritime analysts. The conflict has displaced over 40% of commercial shipping traffic from this critical waterway.