Shock moment Red Sea tanker explodes into fireball after Iran-backed Houthis unleash ‘most serious attack’ in weeks
SHOCKING footage shows the moment a Red Sea tanker exploded into a huge fireball after Houthi rebels launched their “most serious attack” in weeks.
The Iran puppets released a video apparently showing the massive blow on the Greek-flagged tanker believed to have been carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil.
The Sounion had already been abandoned by its crew after a series of attacks by the Yemen-based Houthis, who jumped onto the vessel on Friday, rigging it with explosives.
Footage released by the militants shows a ship erupt into a giant fireball over the sea in what was believed to be an attempt to sink it.
Smoke is seen billowing into the air as the Houthis continue targeting ships sailing over the Red Sea as a response to the West over the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Their attacks have hindered $1trillion worth of trade that typically flows through the channel.
The European Union‘s Operation Aspides – who are charged with protecting shipping in the region – published pictures showing smoke rising from multiple points of the vessel.
It was carrying roughly one million barrels or Iraqi crude oil, sparking fears of an oil spill.
The EU mission said there was not yet any obvious signs of a spill.
But the statement added: “The Sounion is both a navigational and an imminent environmental hazard.
“This situation underlines that these kinds of attacks pose not only a threat against the freedom of navigation but also to the lives of seafarers, the environment, and subsequently the life of all citizens living in that region.”
The US State Department said it was “gravely concerned” by the blow and showcased the Houthis don’t care about destroying the region’s fishing industry.
A statement said: “The Houthis’ continued attacks threaten to spill a million barrels of oil into the Red Sea.
“While the crew has been evacuated, the Houthis appear determined to sink the ship and its cargo into the sea.
“Through these attacks, the Houthis have made clear they are willing to destroy the fishing industry… that Yemenis and other communities in the region rely on for their livelihoods, just as they have undermined the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to the region through their reckless attacks.”
Aid shipments to war-ravaged Sudan and Yemen are said to have been halted in the attacks.
The Sounion was initially targeted by the Houthis last week.
A French destroyer from the Operation Aspides fleet rushed to rescue the crew, made up of 25 Filipinos and Russians as well as four private security personnel.
They were taken to nearby Djibouti, in Africa’s east.
Who are the Houthi rebels?
THE Houthi rebels are terrorising the Red Sea by launching persistent missile and drone attacks on vessels and warships - but who are they?
The Shia militant group, which now controls most of Yemen, spent over a decade being largely ignored by the world.
However, since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war they sprung from relative obscurity to holding roughly £1trillion of world trade hostage – turning one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes into an active warzone.
Their warped slogan is “Death to America, Death to Israel, curse the Jews and victory to Islam”.
Why are they attacking ships?
The rebel group has been launching relentless drone and missile attacks on any ships – including warships – they deem to be connected with Israel in solidarity with their ally, Hamas.
However, in reality there have been frequent attacks on commercial vessels with little or no link to Israel – forcing global sea traffic to halt operations in the region and sending shipping prices soaring.
The sea assaults have threatened to ignite a full-blown war in the Middle East as intense ripples from Israel’s war in Gaza are felt across the region – with Iran suspected of stoking the chaos.
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea increased 50 per cent between November and December as the rebel group’s chiefs pledged their assaults would continue until Israel stopped its offensive in Gaza.
And despite repeated threats from the West and joint US and UK strikes blitzing their strongholds in Yemen – Iran’s terror proxy appears undeterred
The Houthis, who enjoy weapons supply and funding from Iran, have struck more than 80 vessels with missiles and drones since the Gaza war started in October.
They have seized one vessel and managed to sink two in a vicious campaign that has killed four sailors.
A US-led coalition vying to defend the Red Sea has been intercepting scores of other missiles and drones.
The rebels say that they target ships linked to Israel, the US or the UK.
It comes as a bid to end Israel’s campaign in Gaza, where Jerusalem forces are desperately trying to eradicate Hamas.
But AP reports many of the ships have hardly any connection to the war.
Ironically, they’re believed to have even targeted some ships bound for their puppet masters Iran.