Red Sea Crisis: Footage Captures Suezmax Tanker Explosion After Houthi Missile Strike As West Fails To Secure Chokepoint

A Greek-flagged oil tanker, the Sounion, was attacked by a missile in the southern Red Sea, causing a fire and forcing the crew to abandon ship. The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the tanker belongs to a company with ties to the Israeli enemy and violated the ban on entry to the ports of occupied Palestine. The tanker was carrying 150,000 tons of Iraqi oil cargo loaded in Basrah earlier this month, which could lead to a major environmental disaster in the Red Sea if the cargo spills. The attack marks a new tactic for the Houthis, who have sunk two ships since they began their campaign against international shipping last November. Despite the attacks, oil shipments to Europe are still being delivered, albeit some are taking the Cape route instead of the Suez Canal. The Houthi group has divided their maritime campaign into five phases, following an agenda that includes targeting commercial vessels. The incident highlights the failure of Western nations, led by the US and Europe, to secure the critical maritime chokepoint despite launching numerous military operations.