International Observers Watch for Major Oil Spill Following Houthi Oil Tanker Attack

Yemen’s Houthi rebel faction claimed responsibility for setting the Greek-flagged oil tanker MV Sounion ablaze in an Aug. 21 attack.

Fires burn aboard the oil tanker Sounion in the Red Sea on Aug. 25, 2024. European Union's Operation Aspides via AP

International observers continue to monitor for signs of a major oil spill in the Red Sea after Houthi rebel forces struck a tanker vessel carrying more than a million barrels of crude oil in a recent explosive attack.

The Houthis, a U.S. designated terrorist group, claimed responsibility for striking the Greek-flagged MV Sounion on Aug. 21 as it transited the Red Sea. The Yemeni faction posted footage online last week, purporting to show the tanker being set ablaze.