CENTCOM Confirms Iranian-Backed Houthis Attacked Two More Oil Tankers in the Red Sea

The United States Central Command confirmed that Iranian-backed Houthis separately targeted a Saudi oil tanker and another tanker flying the Panamanian flag on Monday, September 3. CENTCOM reported that the Houthi rebels attacked these two vessels in the Red Sea using ballistic missiles and drones, disrupting their movement along their maritime route. The U.S. Central Command identified the two tankers as 'Blue Lagoon,' a Panamanian-flagged vessel owned by Greece, and 'Amjad,' owned by Saudi Arabia, stating that both ships were laden with crude oil. On August 22, the Houthis also targeted the Greek tanker 'Sounion,' which was carrying one million barrels of crude oil, and is still burning, posing a significant environmental disaster threat to the region. Over the past 10 months, the group has conducted more than 70 drone and missile attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, resulting in two ships sinking, one ship being seized, and at least three sailors killed. The Houthis claim these attacks are in support of Palestinians against Israel, while the U.S. and its allies argue that these actions disrupt maritime transport and the global economy. The two tankers were targeted in separate attacks in the Red Sea. The Houthis also attempted an unsuccessful attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden. Rescue operations for the Greek tanker in the Red Sea have begun; the European Union stated that no leaks have been observed. The Houthis detonated parts of the abandoned Greek tanker in the Red Sea with bombs. The U.S. Department of Defense warned that the Greek tanker continues to burn in the Red Sea, polluting the sea.