US Central Command has reported an “environmental disaster” in the Red Sea following a missile attack by Houthi militants on a ship carrying fertilizer.
What happened: The US Central Command has declared an “environmental disaster” in the Red Sea following a missile attack by Houthi militants on a ship carrying fertilizer. The ship, Rubymar, was hit by two missiles, causing it to take on water and release an 18-mile oil slick.
“The ship is anchored but is slowly taking on water,” the Central Command said in a statement.
“The unprovoked and reckless attack by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists caused significant damage to the vessel, resulting in an 18-mile oil spill.”
The Belize-flagged crew were forced to abandon ship, marking the first such evacuation since the Houthis began disrupting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis, who control a significant part of northwestern Yemen, said they sank the ship. The crew was rescued by a container ship and taken to Djibouti.
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The Rubymar was carrying more than 41,000 tonnes of fertilizer, which could potentially spill into the Red Sea, worsening the environmental disaster. US Central Command has criticized the Houthis for their “indiscriminate attacks” and their disregard for regional impact.
“The M/V Rubymar was carrying over 41,000 tonnes of fertilizer when it was attacked, which could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster,” Central Command added.
“The Houthis continue to demonstrate disregard for the regional impact of their indiscriminate attacks.”
Because matter: The recent attack on Rubymar is the latest in a series of escalations by Houthi rebels. Earlier in the month, the Houthis attacked a British cargo ship and shot down an American drone, further escalating tension in the region. Rebels have targeted commercial ships since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted. The attacks were seen as a means of putting pressure on Israel and its allies over the war on Gaza.
These attacks led to significant disruptions to global trade, prompting the United States to reclassify the Houthi rebels as terrorists in January. Despite diplomatic efforts, including urging China to intervene, the attacks have continued, raising concerns among major global powers.
These attacks come in the wake of the US targeting and neutralization of an underwater drone deployed by Houthi fighters in the Red Sea. The US Department of Defense (DoD) had reported the first sighting and neutralization of an underwater drone operated by Houthi forces in the Red Sea, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.
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This content was partially produced with help from Benzinga Neuro and has been reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.