Houthi Rebels Target Oil Tankers in Red Sea Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Iran’s military unit that the media calls Houthi Rebels, does as Iran wants. At times they accidentally attack allied ships. Iran is not pleased with the most recent attack.  They are still supporting the Houthi barbarians though as they have plans for the so-called rebels

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have escalated their attacks in the Red Sea, targeting two tankers within 24 hours. One of these vessels, carrying Russian oil likely destined for Asia, shows the region’s growing tensions. China’s significant role as the largest buyer of Russian oil highlights the broader geopolitical stakes.

The attacks coincide with Western sanctions on Russia, aiming to cripple its economy following the Ukraine invasion. With China being a top importer since December 2022, Russia’s crude oil exports to friendly nations are vital for sustaining its war economy. In a recent incident, the Houthis used an uncrewed surface vessel to strike the MT Chios Lion, a Greek-operated, Liberian-flagged tanker, as reported by the United States Military’s Central Command.

🚨 Houthi Rebels Attack Russian Cargo Tankers in Red Sea

🚢 Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched multiple attacks in the Red Sea against two tankers, the Chios Lion and Bentley I, both carrying Russian cargo.

The attacks involved the use of ballistic missiles, drones, and… pic.twitter.com/Ia1jSxj1o4

— King of X (@KingOffX_) July 17, 2024

Maritime historian Sal Mercogliano confirmed that the tanker was en route to Asia, loaded with 100,000 tons of crude oil from Russia’s Tuapse port. The Houthis released a video showing the attack, which caused a significant fireball. Despite the damage, the Chios Lion managed to alter its course to assess the situation.

Additionally, the Houthis targeted the MT Bentley I, a Panama-flagged, Israel-owned tanker carrying Russian vegetable oil to China. The rebels used multiple surface vessels and an anti-ship ballistic missile in the assault. According to MarineTraffic, the Bentley I departed from Russia’s Taman port and is expected to reach Shanghai by early August.

Watch as Yemen’s Houthi rebels attack an oil tanker pic.twitter.com/mfK22IePxg

— The National (@TheNationalNews) July 16, 2024

These incidents reflect the Houthis’ intensified efforts against international trade routes, a campaign that started after the Israel-Hamas conflict in October last year. While the U.S. and European nations have deployed naval forces to safeguard civilian vessels, the Houthis claim their attacks are in retaliation for Israeli actions in Gaza.

Houthi rebels have released footage showing a huge explosion following their attack on the crude oil tanker Chios Lion. The US Central Command said that the tanker was attacked with an unmanned surface vehicle.https://t.co/tfWoW0rgU7 pic.twitter.com/49FXkR0NBx

— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 17, 2024

Bloomberg reported that the Houthis assured China and Russia of safe passage for their ships in the Red Sea, highlighting the alliances in the region. Backed by Iran, the Houthis’ actions align with the broader geopolitical dynamics involving Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing. Their mission is to kill Jews, and attack American interests. As per their orders from Iran.

Major Points

• Houthi rebels attacked two tankers in the Red Sea within 24 hours.
• One targeted vessel carried Russian oil, likely destined for Asia, with China as a major buyer.
• The attacks are linked to Western sanctions on Russia due to the Ukraine invasion.
• The Houthis used an uncrewed surface vessel and multiple surface vessels in their assaults.
• The U.S. and European countries have deployed naval forces to protect the Red Sea trade route.

Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News