The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have carried out a deadly strike on the Dutch cargo ship Minervagracht, resulting in the death of a Filipino crew member and the continued detention of United Nations humanitarian workers in Yemen. The attack, which occurred in the Gulf of Aden, has highlighted the rebels’ ongoing campaign against international commercial shipping and their alleged support for Palestinians amid Israel’s war in Gaza.
The ship, operated by Amsterdam-based Spliethoff, was struck by an explosive device while navigating in international waters, leading to a fire that forced the evacuation of 19 crew members from various nationalities, including Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino, and Sri Lankan. The crew was rescued by helicopter and transported to safety, according to company statements. The attack, which is the first major one in the Gulf of Aden since July 2024, has intensified concerns about regional security and the effectiveness of the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and the Houthis.
The United Nations has reported the detention of 10 of its staff members — all Yemeni nationals — by the Houthis, as the group continues to target aid organizations and humanitarian efforts in the country. The U.N. has denied the accusations that the detained staff members were part of a spy network, emphasizing the critical importance of aid delivery in one of the world’s most war-torn regions. The detentions are part of a broader pattern, with 54 UN staff members detained by the Houthis since 2021 as part of their ongoing crackdown on international aid.
The recent incident also comes after Washington agreed to a ceasefire with the Houthis in May, raising questions about the likelihood of its enforcement. The Houthis have claimed that they will not be blowing up ships anymore, as stated by President Donald Trump during the announcement. However, their actions have breached the agreement’s clause requiring the smooth flow of international commercial shipping, with attacks on ships such as the Greek-owned Magic Seas and the Liberia-flagged Eternity C in July.
The attacks have had a significant financial impact on global shipping, as reported by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, with a 90% drop in container shipping through the Red Sea between December 2023 and February 2024. Despite the ceasefire agreement, the ongoing violence and detention of aid workers have continued to disrupt trade and humanitarian efforts, raising concerns about the long-term stability of the region and the effectiveness of diplomatic measures to address the conflict.