Houthi rebels in Yemen have released a video showing their fighters boarding and detonating explosives on the oil tanker Sounion in the Red Sea. The vessel, which is carrying nearly one million barrels of crude oil, was previously attacked by the group earlier this month. The video has raised fears of a major oil spill that could have serious environmental and navigational consequences in the region.
The Houthis claim the ship belonged to a company that violated their blockade against Israel-bound ships in the Red Sea. The group has been targeting vessels they believe are linked to Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom to pressure these countries to end military campaigns in the region. The footage shows explosions on the surface of the tanker, but the core where the oil is stored does not appear to be damaged.
Efforts are underway to tow the ship to prevent an oil spill, with the European Union and the United States monitoring the situation closely. The European Union’s military mission in the Red Sea confirmed that multiple fires were detected on the ship but there has been no oil spill so far. The Houthis have indicated they are willing to allow international parties to salvage the vessel.
The targeting of the Sounion by the Houthis highlights their determination to enforce their blockade in the Red Sea. The group is seeking to pressure Israel to end its aggression against Gaza, following recent attacks between the two sides. The situation remains tense as efforts continue to salvage the ship and prevent an environmental disaster.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
