The cargo vessel Galaxy Leader, which had been held hostage by Yemen’s Houthi rebels since November 2023, was destroyed by the Israeli Air Force on July 7, 2025, in a targeted airstrike on the Red Sea port of Hodeidah. According to an official statement released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the ship was identified as a logistical threat used by Iran-backed militants.
The Galaxy Leader, registered under the Bahamian flag, was seized last year in the Red Sea while en route with an international crew that included Bulgarian nationals: ship captain Lyubomir Chanev and chief officer Danail Veselinov. Since its capture, the fate of the crew has remained unknown, sparking global concern and diplomatic appeals for their release.
The IDF stated that the strike is part of broader military efforts to dismantle supply chains and operational platforms used by Iranian proxies and Houthi forces. The attack on Hodeidah—a vital strategic port under Houthi control—marks a significant escalation in the region’s conflict, particularly as shipping lanes through the Red Sea continue to face disruption.
The hijacking of the Galaxy Leader was one of the first in a series of Houthi attacks targeting commercial vessels, claiming solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israeli-Gaza conflict. The destruction of the ship now raises questions about potential hostages, collateral damage, and how far Israel is willing to go to neutralize perceived threats in the region.
International maritime organizations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), are calling for urgent clarification on the status of the crew. The Bulgarian government has yet to issue a statement following Israel’s confirmation of the airstrike.
This development underscores the growing risk to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and may influence global trade routes as well as insurance premiums for vessels operating in high-threat zones.
Reporter
