Japan Approaches Houthi Rebels for Release of Hijacked Ship
In a recent development, Japan has announced that it is “directly approaching” the Houthi rebels who recently hijacked an international cargo ship in the Red Sea, as reported Al Jazeera.
The Galaxy Leader, which is owned an Israeli businessman and operated a Japanese company, was attacked a group of Yemeni rebels while on its way from Turkey to India. The rebels cited Israel’s actions in Gaza as the reason for the attack, according to the reports.
The Japanese government has strongly condemned this action and is now calling on other concerned nations such as Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and others to help in the efforts to secure the release of the ship and its crew.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa assured that the government will continue to take necessary measures in coordination with other countries involved to address the situation.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the hijacking of the international vessel and called it a “very serious incident on a global scale.” The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the ship was hijacked with Iran’s guidance the Yemenite Houthi militia and expressed concern over the international security implications of the incident.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) clarified that there were no Israelis onboard the ship and stated that the vessel was sailing with an international civilian crew from Turkey to India.
As this situation continues to unfold, Japan and other concerned nations are working together to ensure the safe release of the ship and its crew.