A Greek Ministry of Defense source confirmed on Saturday, September 14, 2024, that the salvage operation for the oil tanker "MV Sounion," attacked by the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, off the coast of Yemen in August, has begun.

"France Presse" reported the source stating that the tugboat "Eion Pelagos" has commenced towing the tanker gradually northward, escorted by military vessels. The source added that the ships' radars were switched off for security reasons.

The military source revealed that a rescue team boarded the vessel, connecting towing cables amidst "adverse conditions."

The Greek news agency reported that the tugboat is accompanied by three frigates, helicopters, and a special forces team, without disclosing their nationality.

The European "Aspides" mission, deployed in the region, previously declared the salvage of "MV Sounion" essential to "avoid a potential environmental disaster in the area."

The tanker's potential rupture or sinking poses a threat of an oil spill four times larger than the Exxon Valdez spill off the Alaskan coast in 1989.

Earlier this month, a rescue attempt for "MV Sounion" was made, but the "Aspides" mission reported that participating private companies deemed the operation "unsafe."

On August 21, the "Sounion," carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, came under attack by the Houthi group, resulting in a fire and loss of propulsion. The 25-member crew was evacuated the following day by a French frigate from the "Aspides" mission.

Days after the attack, the Houthi group claimed to have detonated explosives on the tanker's deck, leading to further fires.

Last Friday, "Aspides" stated that fires were still burning on the vessel as of September 12, but no signs of oil leakage from the main storage tank were observed.

For months, the Houthis, who control vast swathes of Yemen, have targeted vessels they believe are linked to Israel, the United States, and Britain, justifying their actions as solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip amidst the Israeli war on the territory.

Since last November, the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization, has continued its attacks with missiles and drones against commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

The group's attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to favor the much longer route around the southern tip of the African continent.

To deter the Houthis and safeguard maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. Meanwhile, American forces have periodically conducted strikes against Houthi military targets.