The Yemeni government has condemned the recent Houthi attacks on chemical and oil tankers in the Red Sea, labeling them as “systematic terrorism” that endangers the region’s environmental, economic, and humanitarian stability.
In a statement issued on Tuesday through the state-run Saba news agency, Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani highlighted the latest attack on the MV BLUE LAGOON I, a Panama-flagged vessel operated by a Greek company. The ship was reportedly struck by a ballistic missile and an unmanned aerial vehicle, both suspected to be of “Iranian origin.”
Al-Eryani emphasized that this marks the 10th attack on chemical and oil tankers since November 2023. He strongly criticized these assaults, warning of their potential for catastrophic environmental, economic, and humanitarian consequences.
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The warning comes amid ongoing international efforts to rescue the Greek-flagged oil tanker MV Sounion, which Houthi forces targeted on August 21. Carrying one million barrels of crude oil, the tanker remains stranded in the Red Sea due to engine failure. Although the crew has been evacuated, the vessel is still at risk of sinking or exploding, with fires continuing to burn onboard.
Al-Eryani warned that an oil spill in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, or Gulf of Aden could devastate Yemen’s economy, agriculture, fisheries, and marine environment. He also noted that such a disaster would expose millions of Yemenis to toxic gases, halt port operations, and jeopardize the livelihoods of 1.7 million people reliant on the fishing industry.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have intensified attacks in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, targeting vessels they claim are Israeli or en route to Israel. They justify these actions by citing ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.