In a statement posted on its X page on July 16, U.S. Central Command (Centcom) announced that “Iranian-backed Houthis attacked MT Chios Lion, a Liberian-flagged, Marshall Islands-owned, Greek-operated crude oil tanker with a USV in the Red Sea”.
“The USV caused damage, but MT Chios Lion has not requested assistance. No injuries have been reported at this time,” Centcom said in the statement.
In the same post, Centcom said it destroyed five Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) over the Red Sea and Houthi controlled areas of Yemen, adding that it was determined these UAVs presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region.
“Additionally, Iranian-backed Houthis launched multiple attacks against MT Bentley I, a Panama-flagged, Israel-owned, Monaco-operated tanker vessel in the Red Sea carrying vegetable oil from Russia to China,” Centcom noted in the post.
“Iranian-backed Houthis used three surface vessels in this attack, one uncrewed surface vessel and two small boats. No damage or injuries have been reported at this time,” it added.
“Later, Iranian-backed Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, over the Red Sea toward MT Bentley I. No damage or injuries have been reported at this time,” it continued.
Centcom stated in the post that “this continued reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden”.
“The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza and yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza,” it said.
“US Centcom will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities,” it went on to state.
In a post published on his X page on July 16, Javier Blas, an energy and commodities columnist at Bloomberg, noted that “the Houthis of Yemen have released a propaganda video of their attack against the oil tanker MT Chios Lion using an uncrewed surface vessel”.
“The oil tanker suffered minor damage and the crew is safe,” Blas added in the post, which was accompanied by the following video.
VIDEO OF THE DAY: The Houthis of Yemen have released a propaganda video of their attack against the oil tanker MT Chios Lion using an uncrewed surface vessel (USV). The oil tanker suffered minor damage and the crew is safe | #OOTT pic.twitter.com/CdMr1kz26v
— Javier Blas (@JavierBlas) July 16, 2024
In a release posted on its website last month, Centcom noted that, on June 12, Iranian-backed Houthis struck M/V Tutor, a Liberian flagged, Greek owned and operated bulk cargo carrier, with an uncrewed surface vessel “resulting in severe flooding and damage to the engine room”.
“One civilian mariner remains missing following the attack. The crew abandoned ship and were rescued by USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and partner forces. M/V Tutor remains in the Red Sea and is slowly taking on water,” Centcom said in the release.
In a statement posted on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) website on June 13 referring to the Tutor incident, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said, “once again, I am appalled at the fact that seafarers going about their work continue to be targeted and injured”.
“I am truly saddened to learn that one crew member is currently unaccounted for on merchant vessel Tutor, following an attack on the ship in the Red Sea. My thoughts and those of IMO, are with the family of the crew member,” he added.
“I strongly condemn any type of attack against international shipping, regardless of its motivation or cause. I demand all governments and relevant organizations to provide maximum assistance to seafarers affected, and to spare no effort in finding a resolution to this crisis,” he continued.
“This situation cannot go on. Everybody is going to feel the negative effect if international shipping is not able to trade as normal. But our commitment is, above all, safeguarding the safety of all seafarers,” Dominguez went on to state.
Recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have sharply increased, disrupting shipping routes and impacting oil markets, Rystad Energy Global Market Analysis Director Claudio Galimberti said in a market update sent to Rigzone by the Rystad team recently.
“This escalation since late May has heightened maritime security concerns, prompting vessel rerouting and higher shipping costs,” Galimberti added in the update.
“With no signs of attacks ceasing amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, the potential for a prolonged closure of the Bab el Mandeb Strait looms. This would influence global oil trade and shipping economics, with broader implications for regional stability and geopolitical strategies,” he continued.
To contact the author, email andreas.exarheas@rigzone.com