Yemen’s Houthis free crew of seized cargo ship Galaxy Leader

Yemen’s Houthi movement claims to have freed the crew of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader, which its fighters seized in November 2023 at the start of their campaign of attacks on Red Sea ships linked to the Gaza war.

Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that the 25 crew members of the Bahamas-flagged, Japan-operated vehicle carrier – including nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania – had been handed over to Oman.

The Houthis’ Supreme Council said the move was “in support of Gaza and the ceasefire agreement” between Hamas and Israel that began on Sunday.

The head of the UN’s International Maritime Organization said the crew’s release was “a moment of profound relief”.

“Today’s breakthrough demonstrates the power of collective diplomacy and dialogue, recognizing that innocent sailors must not become collateral victims of broader geopolitical tensions,” Arsenio Dominguez said.

“It is also a return to operations in the Red Sea as we are accustomed to and respect for freedom of navigation.”

Galaxy Leader’s operator, NYK Line, said it was still trying to confirm the news, but added: “If confirmed, it would be great news for us and we are relieved that the crew will be able to return home him”.

The Houthis, who control northwest Yemen, began attacking Israel and international shipping shortly after the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in October 2023.

The United States and the United Kingdom have carried out airstrikes in Yemen in response to the group’s attacks on dozens of merchant ships in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Israel has also carried out four rounds of airstrikes against the Houthis since July in retaliation for the 400 missiles and drones the Israeli military says were launched at the country from Yemen, most of which were shot down.