In response to the recent hijacking of an international cargo ship in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels, Japan has announced that it is “directly approaching” the rebel group. The ship, named Galaxy Leader, was attacked by Yemeni rebels while traveling from Turkey to India, prompting Japan to take swift action to secure the release of the vessel and its crew.
The Japanese government condemned the hijacking, labeling it a “heinous act” by the rebels. The ship is owned by an Israeli businessman and operated by a Japanese company. Japan is actively engaging with various countries, including Israel, to address the situation. The Japanese Foreign Minister, Yoko Kamikawa, stated that Tokyo is communicating with Israel and urging other concerned nations, such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, to join efforts in pressuring the Houthis for the prompt release of the ship and its crew.
The hijacking was allegedly carried out by the Yemeni Houthi militia, citing Israel’s actions in Gaza as the motivation behind the attack. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, condemned the incident, describing it as a “very serious incident on the global scale” and attributing the hijacking to Iran-backed Houthis.
The ship’s crew consists of 25 members of various nationalities, excluding Israelis, and includes individuals from Ukraine, Bulgaria, the Philippines, and Mexico. Israel emphasized that the hijacking was an act of Iranian terrorism, marking an escalation in Iran’s aggression and posing a threat to global shipping lanes.
The situation underscores the need for international cooperation to address acts of piracy and terrorism at sea. Japan’s direct engagement with the Houthi rebels demonstrates its commitment to resolving the issue and ensuring the safety of international maritime activities. The incident highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the challenges posed by non-state actors.
