- A tanker, which had been burning for weeks after being attacked by rebels in the Red Sea, was successfully salvaged.
- The rebels had sabotaged the vessel which was carrying 1 million barrels of crude oil.
- Israeli military actions in Yemen escalated the conflict.
A tanker that had been aflame for weeks in the Red Sea after an attack by Yemen’s rebels has been successfully salvaged, averting a major oil spill disaster. The ship was carrying 1 million barrels of crude oil. It was targeted as part of the rebels’ broader campaign amid rising tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The successful operation to extinguish the fires and remove the oil marks a significant environmental victory amidst ongoing hostilities in the region, reports AP News.
Rebel Attack on Tanker and Environmental Threat
The oil tanker had been struck by rebels using small arms fire, projectiles, and a drone boat in late August 2024.
This attack posed a grave environmental risk. The U.S. State Department warned that a spill from the tanker could have been catastrophic, potentially four times the size of the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster.
The rebels’ goal was to target ships they believed were linked to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K., although many of the vessels attacked had no such connection.
Salvage Operation and Successful Containment
After weeks of firefighting and intensive efforts by a private security firm and European naval forces, the fires were finally extinguished. The tanker was safely towed to Suez, where its crude oil cargo was offloaded without incident.
The operation was which lasted several months. It was a successful example of international cooperation and crisis management in a volatile environment.
Ongoing Conflict and Broader Impact
The rebels, who have long fought against a Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s exiled government, have escalated their attacks on maritime targets since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023.
In addition to the tanker incident, the rebels have targeted over 100 vessels. Many of these attacks were unsuccessful or intercepted.
Despite a slowdown in ship-targeted assaults, the rebels continue launching missiles and drones at Israel, further complicating regional security.
International Response and Escalation
In response to the ongoing attacks, Israel has conducted airstrikes on rebel infrastructure in Yemen. These airstrikes targeted power stations and ports on Yemen’s western coast, raising tensions in the already volatile region.
The conflict continues to have wide-ranging effects on shipping and regional security. Multiple nations were involved in efforts to contain the violence.
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Source: AP News
