In a disturbing act of aggression, Houthi terrorists targeted a Greek oil tanker in the Red Sea earlier this week, creating a wave of destruction and raising serious concerns about the safety of the region's vital shipping lines. The attack was documented in a video released by the terrorists, where they were seen chanting anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans while the fire engulfed the vessel.

The targeted ship, named Sounion, was carrying a massive load of 150,000 tons of crude oil. The Iranian-backed militants assaulted the vessel on Wednesday, using small boats to initiate the attack. Reports from the UK military's Maritime Trade Operations Center revealed that the terrorists opened fire with guns, and the ship was hit by four projectiles; however, it remains unclear whether they were drones or missiles.

The situation escalated further on Friday, as three explosions rocked the Sounion, causing significant damage. The exact source of the explosions has yet to be determined, but a frame-by-frame analysis of the video suggests that planted explosives might have been responsible for the attack, rather than a missile or drone strike.

Fortunately, the crew of 29 members, consisting of 23 Filipino and two Russian merchant marines, were evacuated to Djibouti by French rescuers after the initial attack on Thursday. The ship, however, is currently adrift, posing a grave environmental threat to the region.

This unfortunate incident marks the third act of terrorism by Yemeni terrorists in the Red Sea this year. Previously, the M/V Tudor, also Greek-owned, was sunk in June, and the Belize-flagged Rubymar met the same fate in March.

As the news of the attack spread, Representative Mike Waltz (R-Florida) expressed his discontentment with the US foreign policy, asserting that it was indicative of the failure of the Biden/Harris administration's strategy of appeasing Iran. He called attention to the potential consequences of allowing Houthi terrorists, who are proxies of Iran, to disrupt major maritime seaways, emphasizing the need for better policies and actions from the United States.

In response to the escalating threats posed by Houthi militants, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Saturday that it had taken measures to safeguard US and coalition forces, as well as merchant vessels, in the region. They announced the destruction of a Houthi missile system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, stating that it posed a clear and imminent threat to the aforementioned entities.

The attack on the Sounion and the severity of the damage it incurred raise concerns not only for maritime security but also for the environment. The immense amount of crude oil onboard, approximately 150,000 tons, poses a significant risk to the marine ecosystem. In comparison, the infamous Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster in 1989 involved a tanker carrying just 37,000 tons of crude oil.

The Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority expressed their concerns about a potential spill, stating that it could have disastrous consequences for the marine environment in the region. Efforts are being made by the ship's owner, Delta Tankers, to handle the situation and mitigate the risks involved, although specific details were not disclosed for security reasons.

The Houthi militants justify their attacks on commercial ships by claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Since the commencement of their campaign, they have targeted more than 80 vessels using missiles and drones. In response to this escalating threat, the United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian in December, with the aim of protecting ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which serve as crucial trade routes with a value of $1 trillion in goods passing through each year.

This recent attack on the Greek oil tanker underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures to safeguard the region's shipping routes from terrorism and ensure the protection of maritime trade. It is a stark reminder of the risks posed by Houthi militants and calls for a united effort to counter and deter such acts of aggression in the future.