Houthis Attack Two More Tankers in Red Sea, Sparking Fears of Environmental Catastrophe

Latest Developments

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen attacked two oil tankers transiting through the Red Sea on September 2, increasing the likelihood of an environmental catastrophe in the region. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the two crude oil tankers — the Panamanian-flagged MV Blue Lagoon I and the Saudi Arabian-flagged MV Amjad — were hit by two ballistic missiles and a suicide drone. Both vessels were laden with crude oil, CENTCOM’s statements said, confirming that the Amjad was carrying approximately 2 million barrels of oil at the time of the attack. CENTCOM did not report the amount of oil on the Blue Lagoon I. Despite being hit, both vessels were able to continue their way, with no injuries and only minimal damage sustained, Reuters reported.

The attacks came as fires continued to burn on another ship attacked by the Houthis on August 21, the Greek-flagged MV Delta Sounion. The vessel, which was transporting 1 million barrels of oil, was attacked with gunfire and three unidentified projectiles, making it inoperable. The Sounion’s crew was later rescued by a European warship, while the ship was left anchored between Yemen and Eritrea, where it could potentially spill its cargo and cause an ecological disaster. On August 29, the Houthis released a video of its fighters boarding the ship, rigging it with explosives, and detonating them on board. On September 3, private salvage companies, protected by European Union naval vessels, began a salvage operation. According to Reuters, the companies determined that towing the vessel was unsafe and began exploring other options.

Expert Analysis

“The Iranian-backed Houthis are trying to perpetrate one of the worst environmental tragedies we have seen in decades. Those who understand the importance of international trade and freedom of navigation, as well as those who believe in protecting the environment and defending civilians from terrorist attacks, should support a much more aggressive policy to stop these attacks.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power

“CENTCOM has this just right — these are reckless acts of terrorism. We can count on the attacks continuing until the administration takes aggressive action to place the Houthi supply chain at risk. This could well mean striking Iranian assets, even in Iran.” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, FDD Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

Potential Environmental Disaster

CENTCOM warned in its statement that 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.” The Houthis have been attacking international shipping in the region since November, with the Iran-backed terrorist group claiming that it is acting in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. Reuters reported that the group has so far sunk two vessels, seized one vessel, and killed at least three sailors in more than 70 attacks. According to the shipping news outlet Marine Insight, the Houthis have destroyed nearly $1 trillion worth of goods so far.

The destruction of either the Delta Sounion or the Amjad would threaten one of the worst oil spills in history. On August 24, the U.S. State Department expressed concern that the Houthi attack on the Delta Sounion could lead to a spill “four times the size of the Exxon Valdez disaster.”

The 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster resulted in 11 million gallons of oil spilling in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, affecting 1,300 miles of shoreline, “with immense impacts for fish and wildlife and their habitats, as well as for local industries and communities,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported in 2020. For comparison, the Delta Sounion is currently holding approximately 42 million gallons of oil while the Amjad was carrying 82 million gallons.

“Red Sea Environmental Crisis Brewing After Houthi Attack,” FDD Flash Brief

“10 Things to Know About the Houthis,” FDD Insight

“Houthis Sink First Commercial Ship in Red Sea,” FDD Flash Brief

“Houthi Sinking of Rubymar ship off Yemen is a blow to the West,” by Seth J. Frantzman