Salvagers attempt to tow oil tanker in Red Sea after Houthi attack

A salvage operation is underway for the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, which was attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels starting August 21. The European Union's Operation Aspides is providing support by ensuring a secure environment for tugboats to conduct the towing operation. The crew of 25, consisting of Filipinos and Russians, along with four private security personnel, were evacuated by a French destroyer to Djibouti after the attack. The Houthis detonated explosives on the vessel, raising concerns about a potential oil spill from its cargo of 1 million barrels of crude oil. Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza in October, the Houthis have escalated their attacks, targeting over 80 vessels with missiles and drones. Their campaign has resulted in the sinking of two ships and the seizure of another, leading to the deaths of four sailors. The Houthis claim their actions are aimed at vessels linked to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K., as a means to pressure these nations regarding the situation in Gaza. Despite their claims, many of the attacked ships have no direct ties to the ongoing conflict, including those bound for Iran. The international community remains concerned about the implications of these attacks on maritime safety and the potential environmental disaster posed by the Sounion's situation. The EU's involvement highlights the complexity of the situation and the need for coordinated efforts to address the threats posed by the Houthis in the Red Sea. As the salvage operation progresses, the focus remains on preventing an oil spill that could have devastating effects on the marine ecosystem in the Red Sea. The situation underscores the broader geopolitical tensions in the region and the impact of the ongoing conflict on maritime security.