Two more oil tankers attacked in Red Sea
Two more cargo ships have been attacked by Houthi rebels while carrying millions of barrels of oil in the Red Sea, according to US authorities.
US Central Command confirmed the attacks on 2 September, which followed two weeks after a Houthi-led attack on Greek-owned tanker MV Delta Sounion.
The authority said ballistic missiles and drones hit Greek-owned tanker Blue Lagoon I and Saudi-owned tanker MV Amjad near to ongoing salvage work for Delta Sounion. Delta Sounion is still burning from the attack and poses an environmental risk.
Blue Lagoon I was reported to have incurred minimal damage, with no injuries among crew. Houthi rebels claimed they were responsible for the attack, saying the tanker was targeted because its owners use Israeli ports. The rebel groups have been targeting ships in the Red Sea with links to Israel since the outbreak of war in Gaza.
US Central Command said: “The MV Amjad is carrying approximately two million barrels of oil, nearly double the amount on board the MV Delta Sounion.”
“These reckless acts of terrorism by the Houthis continue to destabilise regional and global commerce, as well as put the lives of civilian mariners and maritime ecosystems at risk,” it added.
“US Central Command 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 Iranian-backed Houthis,” it said.
