Houthi Attack Strikes Greek-Owned Ship in the Red Sea
Yemeni Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a significant attack against the Greek-owned commercial ship M/V Tutor in the Red Sea. The attack unfolded on Wednesday evening and involved a combination of maritime drones, aerial drones, and ballistic missiles. According to the US military, this coordinated assault caused severe flooding and substantial damage to the ship's engine room.
The unmanned surface vessel, launched by the Houthis, struck 68 nautical miles (125 km) southwest of Hodeida, a key rebel-held port in Yemen. The damage left the ship without control and facing the risk of sinking, compelling the crew to send out a distress call, reported by both British maritime safety agency UKMTO and security firm Ambrey. During the past 24 hours, US military responded by destroying three anti-ship missiles and a Houthi drone.
Rising Maritime Threats in the Red Sea
This incident was not isolated but part of a series of drone and missile attacks initiated by the Houthis in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November. In their statements, the Houthis align their actions as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. This narrative follows the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas since the unprecedented Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
In response to these escalating threats, the United States has assembled a multinational force to safeguard maritime navigation in the Red Sea and has conducted strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, alongside the UK. The US Central Command emphasized the urgency of these actions by highlighting that the Houthi missile launchers posed a direct threat to both military and commercial vessels traversing this strategically critical waterway.
Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for the Houthis, reiterated their commitment to these operations in support of Palestinian solidarity and against what they perceive as American-British aggression. Further adding to the tensions, Saree revealed that joint operations with Iraqi Islamic Resistance targeted specific points in Ashdod and Haifa.
- Apart from maritime attacks, the Houthi rebels have also faced retaliatory strikes. Reports suggest that American and British forces have conducted raids in various Houthi-controlled regions, including significant airstrikes on Hodeidah Airport, which was formerly a crucial hub for domestic and international flights.
- The reverberations of these confrontations extend beyond maritime engagements with the US-led coalition targeting Houthi sites, ensuring freedom of navigation in international waters. As part of these ongoing efforts, the US military confirmed the destruction of anti-ship cruise missile launchers deemed imminent threats to maritime operations.
- Additionally, since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has resulted in enormous humanitarian and material losses in Gaza, the Houthis have amplified their missile and drone attacks. They claim that their operations are aimed at disrupting vessels affiliated with Israel amid a larger geopolitical struggle involving significant international players.
