The U.S. Central Command has reported an “environmental disaster” in the Red Sea following a missile attack by Houthi militants on a ship carrying fertilizer.
The incident occurred when the Houthi militants targeted a ship named Rubymar with two missiles, causing the vessel to take on water and release an 18-mile oil slick into the Red Sea. The crew, flying the Belize flag, was forced to abandon the ship and was rescued by a container ship, eventually being taken to Djibouti.
The Rubymar was carrying over 41,000 tons of fertilizer, which poses a risk of spilling into the Red Sea and worsening the environmental disaster. The U.S. Central Command condemned the attack, criticizing the Houthi militants for their “indiscriminate attacks” and disregard for the regional impact.
This attack is just the latest in a series of escalations by the Houthi rebels, who have been targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. These attacks have led to significant disruptions in global trade, prompting the U.S. to reclassify the Houthi rebels as terrorists in January. Despite diplomatic efforts to intervene, the attacks have continued, raising concerns among major global powers.
The recent targeting of the Rubymar comes after the U.S. Department of Defense reported the first-ever sighting and neutralization of an underwater drone operated by Houthi forces in the Red Sea. This marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict in the region.
The attacks by the Houthi rebels have further intensified tensions in the region, with concerns about the impact on global trade and the environment. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely and seeks to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
