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Greek Tanker Still Burning in Red Sea After Houthi Attack, Leaking Oil: Pentagon

The Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, recently attacked [1] by Yemen’s Houthi forces, remains ablaze in the Red Sea and is now leaking oil, according to a statement by Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder on Tuesday. The tanker was hit by multiple projectiles last week near Yemen’s Al Hudaydah port, an attack that the Iran-aligned Houthis claimed as part of their support for Palestinians in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Carrying approximately 1 million barrels of crude oil, the Sounion’s situation has escalated as attempts to send salvage tugs were thwarted by threats from the Houthis. Ryder condemned the attack, labeling it a “reckless act of terrorism” that endangers global commerce, the lives of civilian mariners, and the maritime environment in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The US military is collaborating with regional partners to assess how best to assist the stricken vessel and mitigate potential environmental damage. The Sounion is the third vessel operated by Greece-based Delta Tankers to be targeted in the Red Sea this month. The Houthis claimed responsibility, citing the tanker’s alleged violation of their ban on ships entering Israeli ports. This latest attack follows a series of incidents where the Houthis have targeted international shipping, severely disrupting maritime routes.