Tanker Carrying Russian Oil to China Attacked by Houthi Sea Drone
NewsweekJul 20
Red Sea: Houthis Release Video of Fighters Planting Bombs on Tanker
Above: Journalists reach the hull of Yemen's oil tanker Safer near the Ras Isa port in the Red Sea on July 15, 2023 in Hudaydah, Yemen. Image copyright: Mohammed Hamoud/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis posted footage on Thursday showing their fighters storming aboard and planting bombs on Greek oil tanker Sounion before setting them off last week.
The video then cuts to when at least six simultaneous blasts are set off and masked fighters carrying Kalashnikov-style rifles are heard shouting slogans.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The recent attack on the Sounion demonstrates that the Iran-backed Houthis are willing to take extreme measures in the Red Sea despite their consequences. Given that there is an environmental and navigational threat, it's crucial for the world to put the salvage operation first. Then, it's imperative to take steps to further counter Houthi actions in the Red Sea.
Establishment-critical narrative
While the Western media covers this issue by painting Houthis as terrorists, they're neglecting to add that Israel has been bombing Yemeni shipping ports, too. For instance, Israel last month bombed Hodeidah — a critical location for humanitarian aid. This bombing was likely a war crime and shows the ethics of the so-called "rules-based order" for what it is.