- Seafarers Prepare to Leave Yemen Waters After Ceasefire.
- Shipping Risks Remain High Despite U.S.–Houthi Agreement.
- Ceasefire Excludes Israeli-Linked Targets, Threats Continue.
About 200 sailors on over 15 ships that remained anchored off Yemen’s Ras Isa port for weeks are finally ready to unload cargo and leave, after a U.S.-Houthi militia ceasefire deal. Maritime and union sources validated the news on Thursday, reports Reuters.
Threats to Shipping Continue Despite Deal
Even with the breakthrough, maritime authorities warn shipping threats are high. The Houthis announced that Israeli-related assets remain valid targets, and non-Israeli vessels have in the past been attacked without prior warning. “There is no certainty of safe passage,” one official noted.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the U.S. would end its bombing campaign on the Houthis after they consented to stop attacking American ships in Red Sea waters.
Ceasefire Excludes Israeli-Linked Targets
The Houthis made it clear on Wednesday that the ceasefire excludes Israeli-linked vessels. This means that attacks in solidarity with Palestinian militants in Gaza could continue unabated.
The almost two-month-long American bombing campaign caused severe damage to Houthi forces and disrupted shipping in the Ras Isa area—a critical link in international maritime trade. Some crew members were injured by nearby airstrikes, and two ships were said to have been blocked from departure by the Houthis, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) reported.
Ships Begin Moving into Port
A Houthi official said that after the deal, ships would be able to enter Ras Isa, unload their cargo, and leave unimpeded. At least one ship was already making its way into port to start offloading liquefied petroleum gas and other fuel cargoes on Thursday, ship tracking data showed.
No Guarantee of Safety for Crews
Although the immediate danger of U.S. air attacks has subsided, there remain concerns among sailors of Israeli retaliation in the area. After recent Houthi drone attacks, Israeli warplanes bombed the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, inflicting some damage. Several ships have been waiting for weeks to unload at Ras Isa and are now desperate to depart.
“The ITF is working urgently to support these crews, but they need more than words; they need safe passage home,” said ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton.
Dangling Risk Keeps Shipping at Arm’s Length
The Houthis have launched more than 100 Red Sea ship attacks since November 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The attacks have consisted of sinking two ships, hijacking another, and killing a minimum of four seafarers. There have been no attacks on record since January.
Most shipping firms remain cautious, with operations still suspended pending the certainty of the ceasefire’s stability. “We do not send ships in until we are sure that the people on board are safe,” said the CEO of a shipping company. “We have no information at this time to suggest that.”
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Source: Reuters
