Houthis Attack Greek Tanker, Potential Oil Spill

Yemen's Houthi rebels attacked the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion in the Red Sea on August 21, setting it ablaze and causing concerns about a potential spill from its one million barrels of crude oil. Following international appeals, including from Iran's UN mission, the Houthis have allowed tugboats and rescue ships to assist in salvaging the vessel. The initial attack involved small arms fire, projectiles, and a drone boat, leading to fires from planted explosives. According to EU monitors, the ship, though on fire, has not leaked oil. The attacks are part of the Houthis' broader campaign to disrupt shipping in support of Hamas amid the Israel-Hamas war. The crew, comprising Filipinos, Russians, and private security personnel, was rescued by a French destroyer and taken to Djibouti.