Burning tanker attacked by Houthis appears to be leaking oil, Pentagon says
GuardianAug 19
Red Sea: US Military Says Two More Crude Oil Tankers Attacked by Houthis
Above: Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks during a briefing at the Pentagon on September 3, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia. He discussed Yemen's Houthi rebel attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea among other topics. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The US Central Command reported new attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea on Monday, prompting Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder to announce Tuesday that Yemen's Houthis continue to threaten "innocent civilian mariners" and "maritime ecosystems."
According to the US military, the Iran-backed group attacked two oil-laden vessels — the Saudi-flagged Amjad and Panama-flagged Blue Lagoon I — with two ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones. The Houthis subsequently claimed responsibility for targeting only the latter vessel.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
These latest attacks further demonstrate that the Iran-backed Houthis are willing to take extreme measures in the Red Sea despite the potential consequences. Targeting oil tankers represents both an environmental and navigational threat, so it's imperative that steps are taken to further counter Houthi actions in the Red Sea as soon as possible.
Establishment-critical narrative
Ignoring the double standards over Houthi legitimate actions and Israeli war crimes in the Red Sea, the main issue here is that Washington has engaged in counterproductive, illegal military operations in Yemen to try to counter the Houthis. If the US really wants to stop the Red Sea crisis, it must push for a cease-fire in Gaza.
