Red Sea Under Threat: Houthi Attack on Oil Tanker Sparks Fears of Environmental Disaster

The ongoing attacks in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have had significant global repercussions, especially concerning maritime security and international trade. Since late 2023, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, often targeting ships with perceived Israeli connections. However, many of these attacks have also impacted civilian and non-Israeli ships, causing widespread disruption in a critical maritime corridor.  Breaking Defense

The Red Sea faces the threat of an environmental disaster after the Houthis targeted the Greek-owned merchant vessel Sounion, which was transporting one million barrels of crude oil. The attack, which could have far-reaching consequences, has drawn significant international concern.

The EU Red Sea Mission tanker “Sunion” was attacked by Houthi forces in the Red Sea, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, which now presents both a significant navigational hazard and an environmental threat. Given this context, was the military action against the Houthis in Yemen… pic.twitter.com/HD8J8Y3qSl

— Alex (@chainsawii) August 22, 2024

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh highlighted the potential for an environmental “catastrophe” near Yemen due to the Houthi assault. She questioned the logic behind the attack, noting that the Houthis claimed their actions were in support of Gaza, yet the attack seemed to have no direct benefit for the region.

The Sounion, laden with 150,000 tons of crude oil, sustained damage from the attack, leading to a fire on board. Although the blaze was successfully extinguished, the crew had to abandon the ship and evacuate to Djibouti after experiencing an engine failure, further complicating the situation.

The European Union’s naval military operation in the Red Sea emphasized the gravity of the situation, labeling the Sounion a “navigational and environmental hazard.” This incident underscores the persistent threat that the Houthis pose to maritime security, with recent weeks witnessing a surge in their attacks on shipping vessels in the region.

Ukraine will not cause any environmental pollution

Ukrainian forces target a Russian ferry loaded with more than 30 fuel tanks

In Yemen😱
What did the Pentagon say

Oil is likely to leak from a ship attacked by the Houthis in the Red Sea,
+++ pic.twitter.com/lxa5V7cdAN

— Khalidalmaktari أبوعمرو (@Moonlight7oct) August 22, 2024

In response to the incident, the Houthis issued a statement claiming that the Sounion had violated their so-called ban by entering Israeli waters, citing this as justification for their actions. They vowed to continue their aggressive campaign until the “aggression is stopped and the siege on our brothers in the Gaza Strip is lifted.”

This latest attack is part of a broader pattern of aggression by the Iranian-backed Houthi group. Over the past ten months, they have sunk two ships, inflicted heavy damage on two others, killed three sailors, and hijacked a vessel. Their actions have drawn the attention of the U.S. Navy and other international forces operating in the Red Sea, who are working to protect merchant ships and degrade Houthi capabilities.

Despite sustained efforts by the coalition, including frequent strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, the group’s campaign continues unabated. While some progress has been made in reducing their operational capacity, as Sabrina Singh noted, the challenge of fully deterring their attacks remains.

BREAKING#HOUTHIS remain Undefeated !!

US admits its failure to stop houthis. They are puzzled, shocked by houthis target on 2 US warships only 2 hours later after US did 8 air strikes on houthis inside yeman

As i said days back houthis cant be defeated & now its happening🇾🇪✌️ pic.twitter.com/QBsKPfUziN

— ZAINABZEHRA🏴🇮🇷🇱🇧🇾🇪🇵🇸 (@ZAINABALI_72) August 22, 2024

The situation has been exacerbated by the involvement of Iran and its regional proxies. According to reports, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah have been providing the Houthis with advanced weaponry, including drones and anti-ship missiles, and have been directly involved in planning and directing these attacks. This has raised concerns about a broader regional conflict, as the United States and its allies have responded with military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen to protect global shipping lanes.

The economic impact of these attacks is profound, with significant disruptions to global trade routes. Shipping companies have been forced to reroute their vessels around the Horn of Africa, significantly increasing transit times and costs. Insurance premiums for ships passing through the Red Sea have skyrocketed, further adding to the economic strain.

Major Points:

• The Houthis targeted the Greek-owned vessel Sounion, which was carrying one million barrels of crude oil, raising fears of an environmental disaster in the Red Sea.
• The Pentagon expressed concerns that the attack could lead to a significant environmental crisis in the region, especially near Yemen.
• The attack caused a fire on the ship, forcing the crew to evacuate to Djibouti after an engine failure, while the fire was eventually extinguished.
• The incident highlights the persistent threat posed by the Houthis to maritime security in the Red Sea, with an increase in their attacks on vessels in recent weeks.
• The Houthis claimed the attack was in response to the Sounion allegedly entering Israeli waters, and they vowed to continue their campaign until their demands regarding Gaza are met.

RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News