The United States Department of State said it is "gravely concerned" by the recent attack on the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, which was attacked by the Houthis in the Red Sea on Wednesday. The ship's crew was evacuated, after which the vessel caught fire. The State Department said the Houthis "appear determined to sink the ship and its cargo into the sea" and warned a million barrels of oil could be spilled into the Red Sea.
"Through these attacks, the Houthis have made clear they are willing to destroy the fishing industry and regional ecosystems 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. We call on the Houthis to cease these actions immediately and urge other nations to step forward to help avert this environmental disaster," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
