Houthi Rebels Attack Greek Tanker, Threaten Red Sea Oil Spill
On Thursday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels released alarming footage showing their fighters boarding and planting explosives on a Greek-flagged tanker, the Sounion. This attack raises serious concerns about a potential major oil spill in the Red Sea, a crucial global shipping route.
► Subscribe to Headlinecast for the latest video updates. It's free! - https://www.youtube.com/@Headline-Cast
► More Videos - https://youtube.com/@Headline-Cast
►Visit our Website - https://www.headlinecast.com
Follow ET on:
► Website - https://headlinecast.com
► Facebook - https://facebook.com/headlinecast
► X - https://x.com/HeadlineCast
► Medium - https://medium.com/@HeadlineCast
► Instagram - https://instagram.com/headlinecast
► linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/headlinecast/
► READ MORE ABOUT THIS VIDEO -
Explosions and Environmental Threats
The footage captures the rebels chanting their motto as they set off explosives aboard the tanker. The Sounion was carrying around 1 million barrels of oil when it was first attacked on August 21. The rebels’ actions, which included small arms fire, projectiles, and a drone boat, have now escalated to setting off multiple blasts. This has put the Red Sea, known for its delicate coral reefs and wildlife, at significant risk of environmental damage.
Impact on Global Trade and Humanitarian Aid
The Houthi campaign has disrupted the $1 trillion in goods that pass through the Red Sea each year. Additionally, it has halted aid shipments crucial for conflict-ravaged Sudan and Yemen. The attack on the Sounion is part of a broader strategy by the Houthis to impact global shipping and political dynamics in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Rescue Operations and International Response
Following the initial attack, a French destroyer, part of the European Union’s Operation Aspides, rescued the crew and security personnel from the Sounion and transported them to safety in Djibouti. The EU’s naval forces are on high alert, ready to coordinate with international authorities to prevent a catastrophic environmental crisis. They have yet to observe any oil spill but are preparing for all possible scenarios.
UN and International Efforts
The United Nations, along with the international community, is working to secure access to the Sounion and avert an environmental disaster. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric has praised these efforts and noted that the Houthis have agreed to allow salvage operations to proceed, though the exact timeline remains unclear.
Past Tactics and Current Threats
The Houthis have previously used the threat of environmental damage as a bargaining chip, as seen with the Safer oil tanker in 2023. Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October, they have targeted over 80 vessels, sinking two and causing significant disruptions. Despite claims that their attacks are aimed at vessels linked to Israel, the U.S.,
