Yemen's Houthi Rebels Release 9 Filipino Mariners Held Since July Ship Attack
The Yemen-based rebel group, known for its targeting of ships in the region, has released nine Filipino mariners who had been held captive since a July attack on a cargo ship in the Red Sea. The mariners were being flown to Oman on Wednesday when they were intercepted by the Houthis.
Oman did not immediately acknowledge the release, but a Royal Oman Air Force jet landed earlier at the Yemeni capital Sanaa, followed by the departure of the plane from Yemeni airspace after the Houthi announcement.
The Philippines described the mariners as being "held hostage" by the Houthis since the July attack on Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C. The vessel was sunk during the incident and left at least four dead, with 11 people reported missing.
Since then, the Houthis have targeted ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, sinking four vessels and killing at least nine mariners. They claim that they released six of the men on Wednesday via their Al Masirah TV news channel.
It's unclear why the Houthis decided to release the Filipino seamen now, as the rebel group had previously held sailors captive for extended periods.
In a related development, the current Gaza ceasefire saw the Houthis hold fire, with the rebels having stopped their attacks on ships in the region earlier this year before again beginning them after the US President declared a truce had been reached.
The Yemen-based rebel group, known for its targeting of ships in the region, has released nine Filipino mariners who had been held captive since a July attack on a cargo ship in the Red Sea. The mariners were being flown to Oman on Wednesday when they were intercepted by the Houthis.
Oman did not immediately acknowledge the release, but a Royal Oman Air Force jet landed earlier at the Yemeni capital Sanaa, followed by the departure of the plane from Yemeni airspace after the Houthi announcement.
The Philippines described the mariners as being "held hostage" by the Houthis since the July attack on Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Eternity C. The vessel was sunk during the incident and left at least four dead, with 11 people reported missing.
Since then, the Houthis have targeted ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, sinking four vessels and killing at least nine mariners. They claim that they released six of the men on Wednesday via their Al Masirah TV news channel.
It's unclear why the Houthis decided to release the Filipino seamen now, as the rebel group had previously held sailors captive for extended periods.
In a related development, the current Gaza ceasefire saw the Houthis hold fire, with the rebels having stopped their attacks on ships in the region earlier this year before again beginning them after the US President declared a truce had been reached.
Just got some good news 
about those Filipino mariners! 
They've finally been released from captivity by the Houthis 
. It's not clear why they decided to let them go now, but hopefully it means more calm in the Red Sea 
️. The Philippines has been really worried about their sailors being held hostage for months 
. I'm just glad no one else got hurt during the ship attack 
. Now let's all celebrate with some joyful emojis 
!
u think they're still shaking off the experience when they finally got out? anyway, have u tried those new pao buns at the mall food court? 
i swear, they're soooo good! 
and what's even more confusing is why the Houthis decided to release them now? was there some kind of deal made or did they just get tired of holding them captive? 
either way, let's just be happy that these guys are finally going home and can see their loved ones again 
. I mean, sure, releasing 9 Filipino mariners is a good PR move, but what's really driving their decision to let these guys go? Is it just a clever distraction from their ongoing naval blockade of Yemeni ports? 
. And another thing, what's good with these ships in the red sea just sitting ducks waiting to be attacked 
. And can we talk about how weird it is that Oman just played along with the whole thing? Like, did they get some kinda deal with the Houthis? 
I'm definitely going to keep an eye on this situation and see if there's more to the story than meets the eye 
.
. I mean, can you even imagine being stuck in a situation like that? The Philippines must be overjoyed too - it's like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders 
. And can we talk about how crazy this whole situation is in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden? It's like a real-life video game or something 
.
just read about these 9 Filipino mariners being released by Houthi Rebels 
it's crazy to think they were held captive since july last year 
Good news finally! Those Filipino mariners were stuck for ages, it's sickening to think of them being held hostage 
It's all pretty confusing why they decided to release them now though. The Houthis could've just kept 'em as hostages forever like they did with those other sailors 
.
anyway, gotta give it up to oman too for keeping an eye out and helping facilitate the release