Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists released video footage through Al Jazeera that showed their terrorist attack on a major shipping vessel last week that is now at the bottom of the Red Sea.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that the Houthis carried out the attack on the M/V Tutor — a Liberian flagged, Greek-owned and operated bulk cargo carrier — using an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) resulting in severe flooding and damage to the engine room.
Video showed the moment that the USV struck the rear of the ship last Wednesday, which was followed up with a secondary hit on the side of the vessel and what appeared to be a third strike at the rear of the ship, according to the video.
One crew member who went missing following the attack later died, according to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. The rest of the crew was forced to abandon the ship and were rescued by the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and partner forces.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said late Tuesday that debris and oil were seen at the ship’s last reported location and that “the vessel is believed to have sunk.”
A salvage company confirmed to Reuters that the ship has sunk because of damage it sustained in the attack.
The M/V Tutor is believed to be the second major shipping vessel that has been sunk by the Houthis over the past several months.
WATCH:
The day prior to the attack on the M/V Tutor, the Houthis hit the M/V Verbena — a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier — with two anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), causing damage and fires aboard the ship.
The Houthis have been emboldened by President Joe Biden’s refusal to hold them accountable for their terrorist attacks by launching the type of strikes needed to deter further aggression.
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