Ongoing Search for Survivors After Houthi Attacks Sink Cargo Ships in the Red Sea**

The U.S. condemns the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, as international operations work to rescue missing crew members following two cargo ship sinkings in one week.**

The situation in the Red Sea has become increasingly dire following two attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, who sank two cargo ships within a week, leading to casualties and missing crew members. The latest incident involved the Liberian-flagged Eternity C, which was struck by rocket-propelled grenades fired from Houthi-operated small boats, resulting in the ship losing power and ultimately sinking.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the attack occurred on Monday, with ongoing hostilities noted on Tuesday, prompting search and rescue teams to take action nightfall. Six crew members of the Eternity C were rescued, with three confirmed dead, while the fate of the remaining 19 crew members remains uncertain.

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attacks, alleging that the Eternity C was en route to Israel when it was targeted. They also stated that some crew members were taken to a "safe location," prompting a response from the U.S. embassy, which called on the Houthis to release those captured. The crew included 21 Filipinos and one severely injured Russian national.

This incident marks only the second sinking of a Houthi attack within a week, following the sinking of another vessel, Magic Seas, on Sunday. The Houthi rebels have claimed to be targeting vessels linked to their opposition in the Middle East, yet accusations by maritime experts suggest indiscriminate assaults on commercial shipping routes.

In response to these growing threats, the European Union's naval mission has been actively involved in rescue efforts for the crew of the Eternity C, with a spokesperson confirming that as of now, six individuals have been recovered. Meanwhile, Diaplous, a maritime security firm, disclosed footage of the rescue operation and emphasized their commitment to finding the remaining missing crew members, engaging tirelessly until the last moment.

The United States has strongly condemned these actions, labeling them as a serious threat to maritime navigation and safety in the region. They have reiterated their commitment to protecting freedom of navigation from Houthi aggression.

With this escalation in maritime hostilities, calls for diplomatic resolutions have intensified. Leaders from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have urged for swift international efforts to address these violations of international law and restore safe passage through crucial shipping lanes.