Watch: Greek-flagged oil tanker goes up in flames after attack by Houthi rebels in Red Sea – Times of India

Fires broke out Friday on the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, which had been attacked earlier this week by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The tanker, now seemingly adrift in the Red Sea, was abandoned by its crew on Thursday and was reportedly anchored at that time.
The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center reported the incident, noting that three fires were observed on the vessel, which appears to be drifting.A US defense official told Reuters that American authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

The Sounion, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, poses a significant navigational and environmental threat. The European Union’s Aspides naval mission in the Red Sea, which helped evacuate the tanker’s crew, warned that caution is essential to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The Houthis have not yet acknowledged responsibility for the fire but released footage late Friday night showing an explosion striking the Sounion. Analysis suggests the explosions were likely caused by planted explosives rather than a missile or drone strike.
This attack is part of the Houthis’ ongoing campaign against shipping in the Red Sea, linked to the broader conflict between Israel and Hamas. Since October, the rebels have targeted over 80 vessels, seizing one and sinking two, including the Tutor, which sank after explosives were planted aboard.
The US military has responded by deploying additional forces to the region, including aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and a missile submarine. Early Saturday, US Central Command announced the destruction of a Houthi missile system in Yemen within the past 24 hours.