Japan condemns Yemen’s Houthi rebels hijack of cargo ship in Red Sea

Japan has condemned the hijacking of a Japanese-operated, British-owned cargo ship in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The Yemeni militia claimed the vessel was Israeli, and a spokesman said the seizure was only the beginning of a “battle at sea”. Israel said the ship was not Israeli and a Japanese government spokesperson said it was operated by Nippon Yusen.

Japan’s chief cabinet secretary said it was working towards the ship’s release.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the Houthi’s backer, Iran, for the hijacking. Netanyahu said neither the vessel nor the crew were Israeli, and called it an “Iranian attack on an international ship”.

Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen – also known as NYK Line – said the ship, named Galaxy Leader, was carrying 25 crew members when it was seized near Hodeida, Yemen on its way to India.

Those on board are believed to include Bulgarian, Mexican, Filipino and Ukrainian nationals.

“The government of Japan absolutely condemns such an act,” said Hirokazu Matsuno, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, adding there were no Japanese nationals among the crew. He said ministries and agencies were working with the relevant countries for the early release of the vessel and its crew. “We are also urging related countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and Iran to strongly urge the Houthis to release the ships and sailors as soon as possible.”