In a troubling development, Yemen's Houthi rebels have released footage showcasing their deliberate actions of boarding and setting explosives aboard a Greek-flagged tanker, the Sounion. This incident occurred after the rebels repeatedly attacked the vessel, which had been left abandoned. The intentional setting off of explosives on the tanker poses a significant risk to the Red Sea, potentially leading to a major oil spill.
The Houthis were seen chanting their group's motto as the explosives detonated on the Sounion, expressing sentiments such as 'God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse the Jews; victory to Islam.'
Initially carrying around 1 million barrels of oil, the Sounion had come under attack by the Houthis last week. Concerns have been raised by Western nations and the United Nations regarding the potential environmental impact of an oil spill from the vessel. The fragile coral reefs and diverse wildlife in the Red Sea could face devastating consequences if such an event were to occur.
It has been noted that the Houthis have been targeting shipping vessels amid the Israel-Hamas conflict for several months. Despite the release of the footage showing the intentional sabotage of the Sounion, the rebels have indicated their intention to continue such attacks. While there is a suggestion that the vessel may be salvaged, efforts to reach the abandoned tanker have already been impeded by the rebels, as confirmed by the U.S. military.
