An attack by Yemeni Houthi rebels on a Belize-flagged ship earlier this month resulted in an 18-mile (29-kilometer) oil slick, as confirmed by the U.S. military. The targeted vessel, the Rubymar, a British-registered, Lebanese-operated cargo ship, was struck while passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The missile attack on February 18 forced the crew to abandon the ship, which was en route to Bulgaria from the United Arab Emirates carrying over 41,000 tons of fertilizer. The significant damage sustained by the vessel led to the oil slick, raising concerns about a potential spill of the cargo into the Red Sea, exacerbating the environmental impact.
The U.S. Central Command expressed alarm over the Houthis' disregard for the consequences of their attacks, endangering not only the marine ecosystem but also the livelihoods of fishing communities and food supply imports in the region.
Satellite images revealed the leaking oil in the Red Sea, prompting Yemen's government based in Aden to call for urgent international intervention to address the oil slick and prevent a major environmental catastrophe as the vessel heads towards the Hanish Islands.
In response to the escalating tensions, CENTCOM conducted strikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen, destroying seven mobile anti-ship cruise missiles aimed at the Red Sea. These actions were deemed necessary for self-defense, given the imminent threat posed to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the vicinity.
The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and international forces has disrupted maritime activities in the Red Sea, with repeated attacks on ships since November. The rebels claim their actions are in response to perceived Israeli aggression against Hamas in Gaza, although the targets have often lacked clear connections to Israel, jeopardizing vital trade routes linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
