Houthis Launch Missile Attack On 2 Crude Oil Tankers In The Red Sea

Oil tanker on fire — Image for representation purposes only

Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have targeted two crude oil tankers in the Red Sea.

The U.S. Cenfcom forces confirmed that the Houthis have launched an attack on the Panama-flagged MV Blue Lagoon I and the Saudi-flagged MV Amjad with two ballistic missiles and a one-way attack UAS.

Multiple missiles struck the Blue Lagoon I, operated by Greece’s Sea Trade Marine SA and carrying a full load of crude oil. The Amjad, owned by Saudi national shipping company Bahri and carrying approximately 2 million barrels of oil, was also targeted.

Despite the attacks, both vessels were able to continue their journey with minimal damage reported and no casualties.

The continuous Houthi attacks have destroyed nearly $1 trillion worth of goods passing through the Red Sea annually.

The Houthis have continuously attacked and disrupted maritime traffic, including halting aid shipments to Sudan and Yemen.

The U.S. Central Command has criticized the attacks as reckless acts of terrorism, highlighting the dangers they pose to global trade and maritime ecosystems.

The joint maritime information centre managed by the international naval forces found that the Blue Lagoon I had recently made port calls in Israel, which could explain its targeting.

In a separate incident reported later on September 2, 2024, the British military’s UKMTO confirmed a drone attack on a merchant ship near Hodeidah, though no damage or injuries were reported.

This latest attack followed a recent incident on August 21, 2024, when the Houthis targeted the Greek-owned MV Delta Sounion, carrying one million barrels of oil.

Salvage operations are underway in the Southern Red Sea for the Sounion, which is still on fire and poses an environmental risk.

The crew has abandoned the vessel and salvage efforts are being carried out by private companies supported by the European Union’s Operation Aspides.

The Houthis have claimed that their attacks are in retaliation against countries supporting Israel in its conflict with Hamas, though many targeted vessels have no direct connection to the conflict.

The U.S. Centcom forces, in collaboration with foreign partners, continue to protect maritime commerce and reduce the potential environmental impact caused by the Houthi attacks.

Reference: US Centcom, Reuters

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