Houthis Attack Greek-Flagged Oil Tanker, Risking Environmental Disaster in Red Sea

In a recent assault, Yemeni Houthi militants attacked a Greek-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea, igniting three fires and prompting a significant environmental hazard. The crew was evacuated, but the vessel, carrying 150,000 metric tons of crude oil, remains adrift. Authorities fear a catastrophic spill may occur.

Three fires erupted on a Greek-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea following an assault by Yemeni Houthi militants, said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations on Friday. Rescuers had evacuated the crew a day earlier.

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control most of Yemen, claimed responsibility for the attack, linking it to their support for Palestinians in the Gaza conflict. The assailants posted a video on social media purportedly showing the tanker being set on fire.

Carrying 150,000 metric tons of crude oil, the tanker poses a severe environmental hazard. The Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority warned of potential disastrous consequences for the region’s marine environment. This attack marks the third Houthi strike on vessels operated by Delta Tankers this month.