USA warns of environmental catastrophe after Huthi attack on oil tanker

The USA has issued a warning of an environmental catastrophe in the Red Sea after the Huthis attacked the Greek oil tanker MV Sounion. The ship, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, is at risk of sinking, which could lead to a disaster four times larger than the Exxon Valdez incident.

The US State Department believes that the Huthis intend to destroy the fishing industry and regional ecosystems. There have been reports of three fires and explosions on board.

The attack has raised concerns about the impact on the environment and shipping in the area. The US is taking the situation seriously and has sent naval groups to protect international shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

However, there is debate about the adequacy of the response, with some questioning whether the US strategy is proportionate to their interests. The crisis has resulted in reduced traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Suez Canal.

The Biden administration's approach has been criticized for being slow, costly, and ineffective, without addressing the underlying issues, such as Iran's funding of the Huthis.