Watch: Houthi rebels attack ship carrying Russian cargo

Video footage has emerged showing Houthi rebels attacking a ship carrying Russian cargo in the Red Sea.

The video released by the Houthis as propaganda shows the Greek merchant ship Tutor being severely damaged by so-called drone boats before it begins to sink.

All three impacts are clearly visible, with each impact hitting a different section of the ship’s port side, emitting fire and clouds of smoke. The first impact, seen near the stern, struck the Tutor’s engine room, damaging the ship.

The merchant ship, which was carrying Russian cargo through the Red Sea, was hit on June 12, and the entire crew had to be immediately evacuated with the assistance of the French Navy. Although no casualties were reported in the attack, the ship was unable to stay afloat and sank on June 16, British maritime authorities reported.

Shortly after the attack, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) identified several anti-ship cruise missile launchers in the Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen and carried out strikes that destroyed three launchers and an unmanned aerial vehicle that had launched over the Red Sea.

A CENTCOM report at the time of the attack stated: “A Houthis unmanned surface vehicle rammed the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned and operated merchant vessel Tutor in the Red Sea. The attack resulted in damage to the engine room.”

The attack was part of the Houthis’ “fourth escalation stage,” which included plans to attack ships in the Mediterranean, Red and Arabian Seas, and the Indian Ocean in support of Gaza.

The Red Sea and other nearby shipping routes remain dangerous due to Houthis’ activities, despite efforts by the US Central Command and British forces to secure commercial and civilian vessels in the waters around Yemen. The Gulf of Aden, which remains in Houthis-controlled territory and stretches along much of Yemen’s southern coast, has become a popular launching site for Houthi missiles.

In early May this year, the US shot down five Houthi drones over the Red Sea, declaring them an “imminent threat” to security in the region. But despite these efforts, the Houthis remain an influential force and control large parts of Yemen and the capital, Sanaa.

The Houthis are mainly supported by Iran, which supports the group in its conflict with the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, which in turn is supported by the US and Britain.

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