Fact Check: The Houthi rebels have sunk two merchant vessels in recent attacks.

Fact Check: "The Houthi rebels have sunk two merchant vessels in recent attacks."

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that Yemen's Houthi rebels have engaged in multiple attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea. Notably, they claimed to have sunk a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier named the Magic Seas during an assault that involved drones, missiles, and small arms fire, forcing the crew to abandon ship (Washington Post, AP News). The attack on the Magic Seas occurred on a Sunday, and the Houthis later stated that the vessel sank (AP News).

Additionally, the Eternity C, another Liberian-flagged cargo ship, was attacked shortly thereafter, although the Houthis did not claim responsibility for this specific assault (Reuters, Independent). Reports confirm that at least two crew members were injured during the attack on the Eternity C (Reuters).

The Houthis have been involved in a broader campaign against shipping in the Red Sea, reportedly targeting over 100 vessels between November 2023 and January 2025, and sinking two of them in total, which aligns with their claims regarding the Magic Seas and another unnamed vessel (Washington Post, Gulf News).

Analysis

The claim that the Houthi rebels have sunk two merchant vessels is partially true. The evidence supports that the Houthis successfully sank the Magic Seas and have claimed responsibility for this action. However, the second vessel they allegedly sunk is not clearly identified in the sources, and the specifics of the Eternity C attack do not confirm that it sank, only that it was under attack (AP News, Washington Post).

The reliability of the sources varies, but major news outlets like the Washington Post and AP News are generally considered credible due to their rigorous journalistic standards. However, the Houthis' claims should be approached with caution, as they may have motives to exaggerate their successes in military engagements (Gulf News, Independent).

The context of these attacks is critical; they are part of a larger conflict involving multiple regional actors, including Israel and Iran, which adds complexity to the situation. The Houthis have stated that their military actions are in response to perceived threats from Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict (AP News, Washington Post).

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "The Houthi rebels have sunk two merchant vessels in recent attacks" is Partially True. While the Houthis have indeed sunk the Magic Seas and have been involved in attacks on other vessels, the specifics surrounding the second vessel remain unclear, and it cannot be definitively stated that two vessels have been sunk in the recent attacks as claimed.

Fact Check: The Houthi rebels have sunk two merchant vessels in recent attacks.