SANA, Yemen: Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced on Thursday that they have detonated explosives on the Greek-flagged oil tanker, Sounion, which had been stranded in the Red Sea following a drone and missile attack earlier in August.
The tanker was hit off the coast of Hodeida on August 21, causing a fire and cutting its engine power. The EU’s Red Sea naval mission, Aspides, had rescued the 25 crew members last week, leaving the vessel abandoned and at risk of an oil spill.
The rebels released a video showing masked men planting explosives on the Sounion and later detonating them, resulting in several fires on the vessel’s main deck.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik claimed responsibility for the operation, stating it was part of their campaign to enforce an “embargo” on shipping to Israeli ports.
The tanker had been transporting 150,000 metric tons of crude oil from Iraq to a port near Athens, raising concerns over a potential ecological disaster.
After international pressure, including from European parties, the Houthis have temporarily allowed tugboats and rescue ships to access the area to address the fires and prevent an oil spill.
The EU naval mission, Aspides, is coordinating efforts with European authorities and neighboring countries to contain the damage and prevent an environmental crisis.
The situation underscores the rising threat to international shipping and environmental safety in the Red Sea due to ongoing conflict in the region.
