White House: A Filipino sailor was killed in Houthi attack

The White House announced on Monday that a Filipino sailor was killed in last week's attack by Houthi rebels on a cargo ship, condemning the act as terrorism. The Houthis, who are supported by Iran, have carried out dozens of drone and missile attacks on international shipping in the vital Red Sea region since November last year, claiming these actions are in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza war against Israel. However, John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, stated that the deceased Filipino sailor was part of the crew of the Greek ship 'Tutour,' which was sailing under the Liberian flag and had 'no connection to the war in Gaza.' According to reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations, the ship was severely damaged by a Houthi drone attack from the Hodeidah region on Wednesday, with significant water entering its engine room, forcing the crew to abandon it. Kirby also mentioned that a Sri Lankan sailor was seriously injured in a Houthi attack on the cargo ship 'Verbena,' flagged in Palau and owned by Ukraine, and his condition is now reported to be critical. This White House official told reporters, 'This is clearly an act of terrorism. No other term can be used for it. The Houthis' claims of supporting the people of Gaza are baseless.' He also referred to new U.S. sanctions, stating that three individuals and six entities involved in the Houthi arms supply network will be targeted. The U.S. Treasury Department emphasized on Monday that Washington is determined to use all available tools to prevent the destabilizing actions of the Houthis.