Rescue Operation for Greek Oil Tanker Targeted by Houthis Halted

The European Union's maritime mission in the Red Sea, Spides, announced the suspension of operations to transfer or evacuate one million barrels of cargo from a Greek oil tanker that was targeted by Houthis two weeks ago. On Tuesday, September 4, Spides stated that the reason for the halt was the 'unsafe' nature of the rescue operation for the vessel, Sunion, without providing further details. It is unclear why the operation to evacuate the oil from this Greek tanker is deemed unsafe, but while the Islamic Republic's representative office reported on September 29 that the Houthis had agreed to allow tugboats and tankers to evacuate the cargo from the 'Sunion', the same day the Houthis released a video showing their forces planting explosives inside the Sunion and then detonating part of it. Reuters had previously reported that a source indicated the rescue operation would begin soon but noted that executing the current plan to rescue the Greek tanker would likely be difficult and complex due to the explosives planted by the Houthis. Two Saudi and Panamanian tankers were also targeted by Houthi attacks. The Associated Press writes that critics say the Houthi rebels are using the threat of an environmental disaster to gain leverage over the international community. Meanwhile, the fire on the Sunion continues, and the risk of explosion or oil leakage remains. Spides stated without providing details that 'private companies responsible for the rescue operation have concluded that the conditions for conducting towing operations have not been met and continuing them is not safe.' The statement adds that alternative solutions are now being considered by private companies. About two weeks ago, the Houthis targeted the Sunion with light weapons fire, projectiles, and a drone. The Houthi rebels, supported by the Islamic Republic, again attacked two tankers flying the flags of Saudi Arabia and Greece in the waters around them yesterday. Since last fall, claiming to support Palestinians in the war against Israel, the Houthis have targeted over 80 commercial vessels with missiles and drones. This Iranian proxy group has seized one ship, sunk two others, and their attacks have resulted in the deaths of four sailors.