Fires Erupt on Greek-Flagged Oil Tanker Amid Houthi Attacks in Red Sea

Fires broke out on the Greek-flagged oil tanker MV Sounion in the Red Sea on Friday, following an attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels earlier in the week. The vessel, which was abandoned by its crew of 25 Filipinos and Russians, is now anchored but poses a significant navigational and environmental hazard due to its cargo of 150,000 tons of crude oil. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center reported the fires, while U.S. defense officials are closely monitoring the situation. The Houthi rebels have intensified their campaign against shipping in the Red Sea, targeting vessels they claim are linked to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. This escalation comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has disrupted a vital trade route that typically sees $1 trillion in goods annually. The rebels have claimed responsibility for multiple attacks, including one that caused the sinking of another vessel, and have threatened further actions against ships they perceive as violating a blockade. The U.S. military has responded by deploying additional forces to the region, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group and F-22 fighter jets. The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of maritime operations in the area, prompting warnings from the EU's Aspides naval mission about the potential for an environmental catastrophe. As the situation unfolds, the international community remains vigilant, with calls for caution in the Red Sea, where the Houthis have targeted over 80 vessels since the conflict escalated in October. The ongoing attacks have forced shipping companies to seek longer, more costly routes, further complicating global supply chains.