A recent drone attack on the Greek-owned MV Tutor by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has prompted a swift response from the US military. The incident, along with other attacks on vessels, underscores the growing maritime threat posed by the rebels and their attempts to target international ships.
Houthi Drone Attacks on MV Tutor and US Military Response
A purported video distributed across media channels shows a Houthi sea drone attacking the Greek-owned bulker MV Tutor near the Red Sea. Experts believe the targeted ship, built in 2022 and managed by Evalend Shipping, was struck by an unmanned bomb boat. The attack resulted in the vessel’s sinking.
The incident involving MV Tutor, along with a similar attack on the UK-owned Rubymar in early March, highlights increased maritime threats from the Houthi rebels. These attacks have purportedly led to the deaths of seafarers, including a Filipino crew member during the latest incident.
Amid claims from the Houthis of similar efforts to target the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, Western sources confirm the aircraft carrier remains operational and undamaged. Despite the challenges Houthi missiles and drones pose, there is no evidence of such an assault incapacitating a US warship.
In response, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported destroying a Houthi ground control station, a command-and-control node, and two drone boats on June 19. These efforts aim to mitigate the threat posed by Houthi forces’ increased activities since November 2023, primarily aimed at disrupting shipping channels in solidarity with Palestinian militants in Gaza.
These attacks have had wide-reaching impacts, increasing transit insurance costs and leading shipping firms to bypass the Red Sea in favor of longer routes around Africa. The international coalition, including the US and UK, is making concerted efforts to curb these threats and safeguard maritime transit in the region.
