An attack carried out by Yemeni Houthi rebels on a Belize-flagged ship resulted in an 18-mile (29-kilometer) oil slick, as revealed by the U.S. military over the weekend. This incident also raised concerns regarding a potential spill from the vessel's large cargo of fertilizer.
Details of the Attack
The targeted vessel, named Rubymar, was a British-registered and Lebanese-operated cargo ship that fell victim to the missile strike on February 18 while navigating through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
As a consequence of the attack, the crew had no choice but to evacuate the vessel, en route to Bulgaria from Khorfakkan in the United Arab Emirates. The ship was carrying over 41,000 tons of fertilizer at the time, as stated by CENTCOM.
Environmental Concerns
The devastating damage inflicted on the vessel resulted in the significant oil slick observed in the Red Sea. CENTCOM raised alarms about the potential spillage of the ship's cargo, highlighting the possibility of exacerbating the ongoing environmental crisis in the region.
Moreover, the U.S. military condemned the Houthi rebels for their reckless attacks which not only endanger marine life but also pose a threat to the livelihoods of fishing communities and disrupt the food supply chain. This disregard for the consequences of their actions has been a consistent issue with the rebels.
Ongoing Impact
Recent satellite images obtained from Planet Labs PBC revealed that the damaged Rubymar vessel was actively leaking oil into the Red Sea, amplifying concerns about the environmental toll of the attack. ###U.S. Launches Strikes on Houthi-Held Areas in Yemen
CENTCOM initiated attacks on Houthi-held regions in Yemen, taking out seven mobile anti-ship cruise missiles poised to launch towards the Red Sea. These strikes were deemed necessary for self-defense, as the missiles posed a direct threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the area.
###Ongoing Response to Houthi Attacks
In retaliation to the Houthis' assault on shipping routes in the Red Sea, the U.S. military has consistently launched strikes on Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen. Recent reports highlight strikes by both the U.S. and the U.K. on the Durayhimi district in the Red Sea province of Hodeida.
###Houthis' Justification and Impact
The Houthis claim their actions are in response to Israel's actions against Hamas in Gaza. However, their targeting of vessels in the Red Sea has caused severe disruptions to trade routes connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Despite justifications tied to Israel, the attacks have hit vessels with minimal or no connections to Israel, jeopardizing vital shipping lanes. Among those targeted was a vessel carrying cargo destined for Iran, a key supporter of the Houthi movement.
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