Massive Oil Spill in Red Sea Imminent as US Military Fails to Prevent Houthi Strikes

A major oil spill could soon result in the Red Sea if salvage operations fail for an oil tanker recently struck by Houthi missiles. 

US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported the Greek-owned MV DELTA SOUNION, which carries approximately one million oil barrels, is currently in flames following Houthi attacks and “threatens the possibility of a major environmental disaster.”

If the SOUNION begins 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.

While the US has intercepted most Houthi attacks, the continued wave of Houthi terrorist attacks throughout the Red Sea have engendered criticism towards President Joe Biden’s response to the Houthi acts.

US Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) criticized President Biden’s response to the Houthi conflict.

Namely, Senator Rubio questioned Biden’s decision to remove the Houthis from the US’ official terrorist shortlist and termination of military support for allies’ anti-Houthi operations.

Rubio accused Biden of executing ineffective military responses that embolden the Houthis and ultimately endanger Americans.

“When our country’s enemies go unpunished for attacking Americans and paralyzing the global economy,” said Rubio. “We are inviting them to continue their reckless, unchecked aggression to see what else they can get away with.”

The Houthis argue their military offensive is a legitimate response to Israel’s own military incursions into Gaza following Hamas’ October 7th attacks.

Prior to the Houthis’ latest missile strikes, the US military foiled Houthi attacks on August 29th.