A massive oil spill in the Red Sea has been successfully averted thanks to European naval forces.
The impending oil spill was set to occur after Houthi terrorist forces struck oil tanker MV SOUNION, forcing its crew’s evacuation and setting fires onboard.
EU Naval Forces ASPIDES reported their ships towed the SOUNION to safety.
“Under protection of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, MV SOUNION has been successfully towed to a safe area without any oil spill,” reads ASPIDES’ statement. “While private stakeholders complete the salvage operation, ASPIDES will continue to monitor the situation.”
Update on MV SOUNION salvage status
Under protection of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES 🇪🇺, MV SOUNION has been successfully towed to a safe area without any oil spill. While private stakeholders complete the salvage operation, ASPIDES will continue to monitor the situation.
The completion of… pic.twitter.com/FJrk9JGNUg
— EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) September 16, 2024
US Central Command (CENTCOM) had reported the Greek-owned MV DELTA SOUNION, which carried approximately one million oil barrels, was in flames following Houthi attacks and “threatens the possibility of a major environmental disaster.”
If the SOUNION had begun spilling oil, the total amount spilled could make it the worst oil spill this decade and fifth worst in history, according to statistics from the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF).
Additionally, CENTCOM claimed Houthi missiles caused major damages on two more oil tankers, which together contain over two million oil barrels. Oil spills from such ships’ sinking could dwarf that of the SOUNION.
Since Hamas’ attacks on Israel, Houthi forces have executed daily drone attacks against ships believed to have direct or indirect links to the US, Israel, or any of their allies.
The latest Houthi attack happened over the weekend as the Houthis launched a missile attack deep into Israel, striking an open area of land.
As the anniversary of the October 7th attacks nears, Houthi forces have pledged to increase the rate and severity of their attacks against Israel and its allies.
Meanwhile Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue fighting Hamas in the Gaza strip.
Conservative lawmakers have persistently pushed for Hamas’ surrender and the return of all hostages.
An exasperated US Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) exclaimed Hamas has “been holding Americans and Israelis in captivity for 346 days. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Bring them home!”
