In a disturbing act of terrorism, Iranian-backed Houthi militants launched missile attacks on two oil tankers, intensifying the disruption of shipping routes in the Red Sea. The targeted vessels, the Panama flagged and Greek-operated MV BLUE LAGOON I, and the Saudi flagged, owned, and operated MV AMJAD, were hit by ballistic missiles and a one-way attack uncrewed aerial system, according to a statement by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

CENTCOM highlighted that both tankers were carrying crude oil, with the MV AMJAD holding around two million barrels, almost twice the amount of the Greek-owned MV DELTA SOUNION tanker, which was previously attacked on August 21 by the same militant group. Salvage efforts are currently underway to address the disabled and ablaze MV DELTA SOUNION, which poses a significant threat of an environmental disaster in the Southern Red Sea.

The Houthi terrorists' reckless acts of aggression in the region continue to disrupt regional and global commerce, endangering the lives of civilian mariners and maritime ecosystems. The attack comes amidst Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas, an Islamic terrorist group in Gaza, as the Houthis persist in their efforts to destabilize shipping routes.

Providing an update, U.S. Central Command reported that within the past 24 hours, two missile systems in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen were successfully destroyed by USCENTCOM forces. These systems were deemed an imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, highlighting the escalating tensions caused by the Houthi militants.

Last month, the MV DELTA SOUNION suffered a similar attack while transporting 150,000 tons of crude oil in the Red Sea. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, an EU military operation in the region, confirmed that the ship lost engine power and necessitated a rescue operation for the crew. However, in the process, an unmanned surface vessel (USV) threatening the ship and its crew was destroyed by EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

The Houthis have released a video showcasing their detonation of explosives on the MV DELTA SOUNION, resulting in ongoing fires. The sheer size of this tanker, approximately twice that of the Exxon Valdez, raises concerns about the massive environmental damage that may be inflicted upon the region.

The international community stands united in condemning these acts of terrorism by the Houthi militants, urging a swift resolution to the conflicts that trigger such disruptions to global trade and maritime safety. Measures need to be taken to ensure the protection of innocent civilians, safeguard the environment, and restore stability to the region's shipping routes.