Houthi Attacks on Merchant Ships
Recent incidents involving Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have continued to escalate, posing significant threats to global maritime trade.
July 15 Attacks: Two merchant vessels were attacked off the coast of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. One vessel was hit by small craft and missile fire, while another was struck by a remotely operated aerial vehicle, causing damage and light smoke. Both ships and their crews were reported safe after taking defensive measures
MV Tutor Incident: On July 15, the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier MV Tutor was attacked by a Houthi uncrewed surface vessel. The attack resulted in severe flooding and damage to the engine room, leading to the crew's evacuation by the USS Philippine Sea and partner forces. One sailor remained missing following the incident
Verbena Attack: The Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier MV Verbena was hit by two anti-ship cruise missiles on July 13, causing significant fires and severe injuries to one mariner. The crew fought the fires while U.S. military forces provided medical evacuation for the injured.
Increased Naval Presence: In response to the heightened threat, the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt is replacing the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the region to bolster security for the international trade route.
Wider Impact: The persistent Houthi attacks have led to a substantial decrease in maritime traffic through the Red Sea, with a reported 90% drop in ship transits. This disruption has caused increased costs and logistical challenges for global shipping companies.
The ongoing threat from Houthi attacks underscores the need for coordinated international efforts to ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the region.
