An Iran-backed terrorist group has struck two oil tankers in the Red Sea as part of their ongoing efforts to disrupt shipping routes, supposedly in response to Israel’s effort to eliminate Hamas terrorists from Gaza.
The Iran-backed Houthi terrorists shot two ballistic missiles and a one-way attack uncrewed aerial system at two vessels — the MV BLUE LAGOON I, which is owned by Panama and flies the Panama flag while being operated by Greece, and the MV AMJAD, which is Saudi-owned, operated, and flagged. Both oil tankers were hit during the attack, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
“Both vessels are laden with crude oil,” the statement confirmed, noting that 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.”
The statement went on to note that officials are still working to address the August 21 attack while dealing with the latest missile strikes.
“Currently, salvage efforts are underway in the Southern Red Sea for the disabled MV DELTA SOUNION, which is still on fire and threatens the possibility of a major environmental disaster,” the statement continued. “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.”
In a post on X, CENTCOM confirmed that it had also retaliated for the latest attack, destroying the missile systems responsible for the strikes on the MV BLUE LAGOON I and MV AMJAD.
“In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed two missile systems in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels,” the post read.
Sept 2 U.S. Central Command Update
In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed two missile systems in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and… pic.twitter.com/XdKq6g5V16
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 3, 2024
The Houthis previously released a video of their attack on the MV DELTA SOUNION, showing them detonating explosives on the ship that sparked fires that have continued to burn since August 21.
Video released by the #Houthis seems to show the setting of explosive charges on the deck of the tanker #Sounion off the coast of Yemen in the #RedSea.
At 150k tons, this tanker is almost twice the size of Exxon Valdez and the environmental damage to the region will be massive. pic.twitter.com/EfUbg5o5j9
— Sal Mercogliano (WGOW Shipping) 🚢⚓🐪🚒🏴☠️ (@mercoglianos) August 23, 2024
