Barran Press
Twenty-nine sailors were rescued from the tanker "Sounion" after it was attacked in the Red Sea, marking the most serious attack in the region in recent weeks. The incident occurred amidst a months-long campaign by Houthi rebels targeting vessels in the vital shipping lane, which carries trillions of dollars worth of goods annually.
According to the Associated Press, a French destroyer rescued the sailors from the tanker, which was subjected to a series of attacks. The destroyer also destroyed a bomb-laden drone in the area. The Sounion is currently anchored in the Red Sea and no longer drifting, though it remains unclear if the vessel is still ablaze. The crew consisted of Filipino and Russian nationals.
Military officials did not disclose the name of the French destroyer involved in the rescue operation. The Greek tanker Sounion was reportedly hit by four projectiles, though it remains unclear if these were drones or missiles.
While the Houthis, designated as a terrorist group by many countries, have not yet claimed responsibility for the attack, they often take hours or even days to acknowledge their actions. Houthi media, however, has reported on US airstrikes in Hodeidah, which the US Central Command confirmed involved the destruction of a surface-to-air missile system and a radar belonging to the group.
Since the start of the war in Gaza in October, the Houthis have targeted over 80 ships with missiles and drones. They have captured one vessel and sunk two others in the campaign, which has also claimed the lives of four sailors.
The Houthis have been conducting attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden since November 2023. These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
In response to the Houthi attacks, the US-led “Operation Sentinel” coalition, which includes the UK as a key participant, launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The Houthis have subsequently expanded their operations to target vessels linked to Washington and London.