The Houthi organization in Yemen released a video of the Sounion oil tanker attack, depicting its fighters boarding the ship and detonating explosives. This Greek-flagged vessel, which the Houthis had previously targeted in the Red Sea, has sparked significant international concern. Given that the tanker carries nearly a million barrels of crude oil, experts fear a leak could trigger an environmental disaster, threatening both navigation and marine life in the region.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree justified the attack on the Sounion tanker by claiming the vessel belonged to a company that violated the Red Sea blockade on ships heading to Israel. The Houthis, who describe themselves as Yemen’s armed forces, specifically target boats they allege link to Israel. Therefore, their goal is to pressure Israel to halt its military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in over 40,600 Palestinian deaths.
On Thursday, the Houthi group released a film showing various aspects of the attack. It includes footage of explosions on the tanker’s surface, a walkthrough of the cockpit, and drone shots of the ship’s exterior. Additionally, the video features a fighter wielding an automatic rifle. However, it does not show any damage to the ship’s interior, where the oil is stored. Moreover, the timing of the video remains unclear, and the effect of this incident on efforts to tow the ship and prevent an oil spill is still unknown.
The European Union’s military mission in the Red Sea, known as Operation Aspides, reported multiple fires on the tanker. Nevertheless, it confirmed that no oil had spilled from the vessel. Meanwhile, the US has been monitoring the situation and noted that the Houthis have obstructed salvage efforts. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam emphasized that the Sounion oil tanker attack highlights their commitment to enforcing the Red Sea blockade and addressing environmental risks.
