Houthis strike Greek-flagged oil tanker

The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen continue to target commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea. In a statement issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), it was reported that the Houthis struck a Greek-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea, causing a major fire.

The statement noted that the tanker was evacuated following the attack.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a statement after the attack that the ship “belonged to a company with ties to Israel and violated the decision to ban entry to ports in occupied Palestine.”

FOOTAGE OF THE MOMENT OF IMPACT SHARED

Footage shared by Houthi media sources included scenes showing a Greek ship being targeted for “violating the ban on access to Israeli ports” and catching fire after being hit.

The Houthis had announced yesterday that they targeted a ship named MV Sounion for “violating the ban on access to Israeli ports.”

UK Ambassador to Sanaa Abda Sharif also announced that the crew of the MV Sounion, which was attacked by the Houthis in the Red Sea, had been rescued, and that the heavily damaged ship remained stranded in the Red Sea.

THE SITUATION IN THE RED SEA

The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have been seizing commercial ships they claim are linked to Israeli companies off the coast of Yemen since October 31, 2023, in response to Israel's attacks in Gaza, and have been carrying out attacks on some with drones and missiles.

Following the actions of the Houthis, numerous shipping companies decided to suspend their voyages in the Red Sea.

The US announced on December 18, 2023, that a multinational “maritime task force” called “Operation Prosperity Guardian” had been formed with the participation of a group of countries, citing the threat to global maritime trade security.

US forces have announced several times during this process that they have shot down missiles and kamikaze drones launched from Yemen.

While the European Union (EU) launched the Aspides mission on February 19 for maritime security in the Red Sea, Italy joined this mission on March 5 by parliamentary decision and assumed tactical command.

Approximately 12 percent of global trade is conducted via the Suez Canal, which offers the shortest route between Europe and Asia by connecting the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.

Houthis strike Greek-flagged oil tankerhttps://t.co/AcNb2838nU pic.twitter.com/W4RudALgB8

— 12punto (@12puntohaber) August 23, 2024

News Source: AA