Sana’a, Yemen – A Greek-owned ship in the Red Sea was struck by an unmanned surface vessel launched by the Houthis in Yemen, leading to severe flooding and damage to the engine room, according to a report from the US military. The incident occurred about 66 nautical miles southwest of the rebel-held port of Hodeida, as confirmed by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office. Fortunately, no casualties were reported despite the vessel taking on water and being unmanned during the attack.
The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they targeted a Liberian-flagged vessel named Tutor using a sea drone as part of their ongoing support for Palestinians in Gaza. The Houthis have been disrupting world trade by targeting shipping in the Red Sea while justifying their actions as in solidarity with Palestinians.
In response to the attack, US Central Command (CentCom) reported that one Iranian-backed Houthi unmanned surface vessel struck the Tutor, causing significant damage. Furthermore, CentCom announced the successful destruction of three anti-ship cruise missile launchers in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, as well as a drone launched from the same region over the Red Sea. These actions were taken to address the continuous threats posed by the Houthi group to regional stability and maritime security.
The armed Houthi group, aligned with Iran, has positioned itself as part of an “axis of resistance” against Israel, the US, and other Western powers. They have been actively targeting ships they associate with Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November as a show of support for Palestinians in Gaza. The retaliatory attacks on merchant vessels by the rebels have led to disruptions in global seaborne trade, with many shipping companies avoiding the Red Sea due to safety concerns.
The escalation of tensions between the US, UK, and the Houthis in Yemen has raised concerns about the impact on maritime activities in the region. The World Health Organization (WHO) even reported that one of its staff members was detained in the midst of the conflict, prompting fears about the safety of humanitarian workers operating in the area. As the situation unfolds, international organizations continue to monitor developments closely to ensure the protection of civilian lives and humanitarian efforts.