Greek-Flagged Oil Tanker Rescued Post Houthi Rebel Attacks, Prevents Oil Spill

AP Salvagers successfully towed a Greek-flagged oil tanker, the Sounion, which had been ablaze for weeks following attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, to a safe area without any oil spill, according to a European Union naval mission on Monday. The EU naval mission, known as Operation Aspides, announced on the social platform X that the ship had been moved safely.

Houthi Rebels' Drone Claims

The Houthis claimed they shot down another American-made MQ-9 Reaper drone. Video circulating online showed what appeared to be a surface-to-air missile strike and flaming wreckage on the ground. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesperson, identified the drone as an MQ-9 but did not elaborate on how this determination was made.

The US military acknowledged awareness of the Houthis' claim regarding the drone downing over Dhamar province but did not provide further details. The Houthis have exaggerated claims in the past during their campaign targeting shipping in the Red Sea over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Operation Aspides' Statement

Operation Aspides stated, "The Sounion has been successfully towed to a safe area without any oil spill." They added that while private stakeholders complete the salvage operation, Aspides would continue to monitor the situation. The Houthis had no immediate comment on this development.

The online video bolstered the Houthis' claim about downing the drone, especially after two recent claims lacked evidence. Other videos showed armed rebels around the flaming wreckage with a propeller similar to those used by armed drones visible in the flames. One rebel attempted to pick up a piece of metal but dropped it due to the heat.

Impact on Shipping and Security

The ongoing conflict poses significant challenges for global shipping and security. The Houthis have targeted over 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since October when the war in Gaza began. They seized one vessel and sank two others, resulting in four sailors' deaths. Some missiles and drones were intercepted by a US-led coalition or failed to reach their targets.

Iran has armed the rebels with surface-to-air missiles known as 358 for years, despite Tehran's denial of arming them. Iran-manufactured weaponry has been found on battlefields and in seaborne shipments heading to Yemen despite a United Nations arms embargo.

Drone Capabilities and Costs

Reapers, costing around USD 30 million each, can fly at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,240 metres) and have an endurance of up to 24 hours before needing to land. Both the US military and CIA have flown these aircraft over Yemen for years.

The Houthis maintain they target ships linked to Israel, the US or the UK to force an end to Israel's campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many attacked ships have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.

The Sounion's successful towing highlights efforts to mitigate risks posed by ongoing conflicts in strategic waterways like the Red Sea. Despite these efforts, threats from groups like the Houthis continue to challenge global maritime security and stability.