Merchant Ship Struck by Drone in Red Sea: Ongoing Conflict Escalates

On June 23, 2024, a merchant ship was struck by a drone in the Red Sea, 65 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UK MTO). The ship, en route to its next port, confirmed that all crew members are safe. This incident follows a claim by Yemen-based Houthis of hitting a commercial vessel with a ballistic missile after it visited an Israeli port. Additionally, a Greek-owned ship sank in the Red Sea on June 20 after an attack by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, as reported by CBS News with reference to UKMTO.

The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier MV Tutor, known as the second ship sunk by Houthis since March, fell victim to the rebels’ missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea. These attacks, targeting ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, escalated after Israel’s invasion of Gaza in response to Hamas’ attack on Southern Israel last year. Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, international condemnation of the humanitarian crises caused by the conflict has been voiced, with the US Central Command (CENTCOM) highlighting the Houthis’ disruption of international commerce and aid delivery to Yemen and Gaza.

CENTCOM’s recent actions against Houthi radars aimed to counter the group’s assaults on ships in the Red Sea. The US military’s response underscores the threat posed by the Houthis to maritime security, hindering assistance efforts to conflict-affected regions. As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to monitor and address the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in the region.

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