Houthi attacks on oil tankers puts maritime ecosystems at risk: US

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Monday that attacks by Yemen's Houthi group on oil tankers in the Red Sea put maritime ecosystems at risk.

CENTCOM said in a statement that the Houthis attacked two crude oil-laden tankers -- the Panama flagged/owned, Greek operated MV Blue Lagoon I and the Saudi flagged, owned and operated MV Amjad -- with two ballistic missiles and a one-way attack uncrewed aerial system.

"The MV AMJAD is carrying approximately two million barrels of oil, almost twice the amount onboard the Greek-owned MV DELTA SOUNION, which the Houthis attacked on Aug. 21," it said, adding efforts are underway in the Southern Red Sea for the disabled MV Delta Sounion, which is still on fire.

"These reckless acts of terrorism by the Houthis continue to destabilize regional and global commerce, as well as put the lives of civilian mariners and maritime ecosystems at risk," it said.

CENTCOM added that it will continue to work with international partners and allies to protect commerce and mitigate potential impacts to the environment, despite the "irresponsible and careless" actions of the Houthis.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

The Houthis have been targeting Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7 last year.

Earlier this year, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a multinational mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter Houthi attacks.