Severe Environmental Consequences of Israel's Attack on Houthi Oil Storage Facilities

Recent research indicates severe environmental consequences from Israel's recent attack on Houthi oil storage facilities in the port of Hodeidah, as well as Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The British organization 'Conflict and Environment Observatory,' along with other institutions and experts, reported significant emissions of hazardous gases during Israel's attack on the oil storage facilities in Hodeidah and fuel leaks from the sinking of ships targeted by Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea. On Saturday, Israel targeted oil and fuel storage facilities in Hodeidah, Yemen, controlled by Houthi rebels, in response to their drone attack on Israeli territory. Released images showed extensive fires and thick smoke rising from the port of Hodeidah. The 'Conflict and Environment Observatory,' which monitors the environmental impacts of wars, addressed the scale of hazardous gas emissions and oil leaks during Israel's attack on Hodeidah. In response to militia attacks, Israel bombed Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon. Earlier, the UN Refugee Agency also addressed the destructive effects of air and water pollution on the lives of Yemenis after a decade of war and conflict, warning of its consequences. The Yemeni Human Rights Observatory reported that Israel's attacks on Hodeidah caused a massive fuel leak from the oil storage facilities into the sea. The report adds that oil leakage from Hodeidah's facilities continues, which could have significant environmental repercussions. Wim Zoonenberg, an expert from the Dutch peace organization 'Pax,' stated that tens of thousands of liters of oil fuel caught fire during Israel's attack, and the harmful smoke poses significant health risks. He also reported oil leaks into the sea based on satellite images, stating that Israel's attack has destroyed a large portion of the Houthi fuel storage capacity in Hodeidah. Zoonenberg told AFP that the consequences of this disaster will affect the people of Yemen and the regional environment. Israel also reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen. A significant portion of Yemen's residents rely on fishing along the country's rich coasts for their livelihood, and seafood exports are the second-largest source of Yemen's export income. On the other hand, Houthi attacks on commercial and oil tankers in the Red Sea have led to widespread water pollution in the region. Last week, a Liberian-flagged oil tanker was targeted by Houthis 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, resulting in an oil spill extending 220 kilometers. Estimates suggest that 500 barrels of oil leaked from this ship into the sea, and the oil slick is still visible. Previously, a Houthi attack on a ship carrying 21,000 tons of ammonium sulfate phosphate fertilizer caused it to sink. This chemical can have significantly harmful effects on corals and marine life. For years, the Houthis had kept a dilapidated 48-year-old oil tanker containing one million barrels of oil along their coast, which was at risk of sinking at any moment. Ultimately, after years of negotiations with this rebel group, the UN transferred the cargo of this tanker to another oil tanker.