New Airstrip Emerges in Yemen Amid Rising Houthi Conflict

On January 25, 2025, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the suspension of UN staff movement in territories controlled by Yemen's Houthi rebels, following the detention of seven UN personnel. The UN's decision comes amid escalating humanitarian concerns, as Guterres called for the immediate release of the detained workers, highlighting the detrimental impact their detention has on humanitarian efforts for millions in need. The detentions are reportedly linked to the U.S. designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, a move that has intensified retaliatory actions by the group. This development underscores the worsening humanitarian crisis and growing tensions in Yemen.

The crew of the Galaxy Leader, a Bahamas-flagged commercial ship, has been released by Houthi militants over a year after they seized the vessel off the Yemeni Red Sea coast. The handover took place on January 22, 2025, in a move reportedly linked to a recently established ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. According to Houthi-owned Al Masirah TV, the release of the 25 crew members was coordinated with Omani authorities and represents solidarity with Gaza amid the ceasefire agreement. The crew includes nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania, as confirmed by Galaxy Maritime, the ship's owner. The Galaxy Leader was commandeered by Houthi forces on November 19, 2023, shortly after the onset of hostilities in Gaza, and was subsequently escorted to the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi indicated the group's readiness to intervene if Israel escalates its military actions against Gaza. The Houthis have conducted over 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea since November 2023, claiming these actions are in support of the Palestinian cause. Such activities have led to significant disruptions in global shipping, forcing companies to reroute their vessels around Africa to avoid danger.

The crew of the Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader, seized by Houthi militants off the Yemeni coast over a year ago, has been released and handed over to Omani authorities. This development comes amid a recently established three-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Houthi-owned Al Masirah TV reported that the release is a gesture of solidarity with Gaza, as stated by the Houthi Supreme Political Council. The crew consists of 25 members from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania, and was initially taken hostage after Houthi forces boarded the vessel on November 19, 2023. The Galaxy Leader was subsequently escorted to the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi indicated that the group remains prepared to respond should Israel violate the ceasefire. Since November 2023, the Houthis have claimed responsibility for over 100 attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, citing their actions as support for Palestinians amidst the escalated conflict in Gaza. These attacks have not only disrupted global shipping routes but have also resulted in casualties among seafarers.