Houthi Rebels Attack Greek Oil Tanker Sounion

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for detonating explosives on the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, which they had previously attacked, raising concerns about an imminent oil spill in the Red Sea. The incident, which follows a series of assaults on the vessel, saw the crew of 25 rescued by a French destroyer as the ship was left abandoned. Footage released by the Houthis showed their fighters planting explosives and chanting anti-Western slogans during the attack, which is part of their broader campaign amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Sounion was carrying approximately 1 million barrels of oil and has been reported to be on fire, although Western officials indicated that it has not yet caused a major leak. The rebels have allowed salvage crews to access the ship to mitigate environmental risks, responding to international calls for humanitarian and environmental considerations. This attack underscores the Houthis' strategic aim to disrupt maritime traffic in a region crucial for global trade, affecting aid shipments to Yemen and Sudan as well.