WASHINGTON, D.C. – Iran-backed Houthi forces continue to disrupt maritime stability and endanger the lives of seafarers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, according to statements from Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during today’s briefing.
Singh criticized the Houthis for their recent attacks on two merchant vessels, asserting that their actions claim to support Palestinians in Gaza but instead imperil unrelated civilians. The latest incidents involved the M/V Tutor and M/V Verbena, both struck last week by Houthi forces.
On June 12, the Liberian-flagged M/V Tutor, owned by Greek interests, suffered severe flooding and engine damage due to a Houthi assault. The incident left one crew member unaccounted for. The USS Philippine Sea, a guided-missile cruiser, responded to the Tutor’s distress calls on June 14, coordinating with partner forces to evacuate all personnel from the vessel amidst dangerous conditions within Houthi strike range.
Despite the proximity of Iranian, Russian, and Chinese naval vessels, no assistance was offered to the stricken Tutor, Singh highlighted. The vessel remains adrift in the Red Sea, taking on water, while awaiting salvage operations.
The following day, on June 13, the Palauan-flagged M/V Verbena was attacked, resulting in onboard fires. Emergency medical evacuation was required for one crew member, facilitated by aircraft from the Philippine Sea to a partner nation’s ship. By June 15, the remaining crew had to abandon the Verbena and were rescued by the M/V Anna Meta, which was nearby. An Iranian frigate, only 8 nautical miles away, did not respond to the distress call.
The Verbena is now being towed to a nearby port after the fires were extinguished.
Singh noted that, since November 19, the Houthis have launched approximately 190 attacks, with coalition forces effectively thwarting most of them. This underlines the persistent threat posed by the Houthis in the region.
Additionally, Singh reported on a logistical update concerning the U.S. Central Command’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Heavy seas necessitated the temporary removal of a pier from the Gaza shoreline on June 14, towing it back to Ashdod, Israel. The pier is expected to be repositioned in Gaza later this week, aiding in the delivery of over 3,500 metric tons of humanitarian aid since mid-May.
Humanitarian Spotlight
The United States continues to work with international partners to expedite aid to Gaza, emphasizing the importance of maintaining humanitarian assistance despite regional challenges.–News Desk