Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a series of attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea on Monday. The U.S. military and Turkish authorities confirmed that two tankers, the Panama-flagged Blue Lagoon I and the Saudi-flagged Amjad, were struck by missiles and drones in the latest incidents. The Blue Lagoon I, carrying Russian-origin oil, was hit by two ballistic missiles and a drone, while the Amjad, carrying two million barrels of oil, was also targeted.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on the Blue Lagoon I but did not immediately acknowledge the strike on the Amjad. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) condemned these actions as “reckless acts of terrorism,” highlighting the risk they pose to global commerce and the environment. The targeted ships sustained minimal damage, and there were no reported injuries among the crew members.
Since October, the Houthis have targeted over 80 vessels, causing significant disruption to one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. This campaign has already resulted in the sinking of two ships, the seizure of another, and the deaths of four sailors.
The Houthis’ recent actions have also sparked concerns about a potential environmental disaster. Efforts are underway to salvage the Sounion, a Greek-owned oil tanker carrying one million barrels of crude oil, which was attacked by the Houthis on August 21. The vessel remains anchored in the Red Sea, still burning, with fears that it could spill its cargo, leading to a catastrophic oil spill.
In response to Monday’s attacks, the U.S. military conducted strikes on two Houthi missile systems in Yemen, aiming to reduce the group’s ability to threaten maritime traffic. The situation remains tense as international efforts continue to address the fallout from these aggressive actions by the Iranian-backed rebel group.
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