The Greek-owned ship Sounion is loaded with 1 million barrels – 150,000 tonnes – of crude oil. In recent days, there have been conflicting reports about oil leaks from the ship. Crews have tried to approach the ship to tow it away, but have been attacked by the Houthi militia. That’s what the Pentagon said on Tuesday, when they tried to send a third party out to retrieve Sounion. Several international actors have asked the Houthis to tow to rescue boats before the ship starts leaking oil into the sea. No ceasefire It was the armed Houthi militia that attacked the ship outside the port city of Hodeidah last Thursday. All crew managed to evacuate the ship before the flames broke out. On August 23, the Houthis’ media agency, Ansarullah, sent a video of the Greek-owned tanker in flames. Photo: – / AFP The Houthis have now agreed to lay down their weapons for a short period, so that tugs and rescue boats can tow. This is what Iran’s UN envoy to New York told us on the night of Friday Norwegian time, writes Reuters. – Out of consideration for humanitarian concerns and concerns for the environment, the Houthis have agreed to the request from several countries for an interim ceasefire, he said. The spokesperson for the Houthis, Mohammed Abdulsalam, nevertheless told Reuters that there is no question of a ceasefire, and that the group has only agreed that the ship will be towed ashore. Declaration of support The Houthis are an armed rebel group supported by Iran. The militia controls the most populous regions of Yemen and the Red Sea coast beyond. Here, several ships have been attacked by the Houthis since November last year. The Houthis support Hamas in the war on the Gaza Strip, and have attacked over 70 ships involved in trade with Israel. Photo: Khaled Abdullah / Reuters The Houthis have launched a “campaign” against all trade with Israel that takes place by sea. In addition to sending missiles over to Israel, they have attacked several ships with drones and missiles. Two ships have been sunk, one has been hijacked and at least three crew have been killed in the more than 70 attacks. Together with Iran, the Houthis support Hamas in the war against Israel in the Gaza Strip, and claim that the attack is to support the Palestinians in the war. The militia says that the attack on Sounion is part of this now ten-month long campaign. Published 29/08/2024, at 07.38
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The Houthis agree to allow rescuers to approach burning oil tankers – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
