American Analysis Reveals How Sanaa Forces Detonated the “Sounion” Oil Tanker in the Red Sea
NYN | Reports and analyses
The American news agency Associated Press revealed today, Saturday, the results of its analysis of the footage broadcast by the Sanaa government forces on Friday evening, which shows the Greek oil tanker “Sounion” set ablaze in the Red Sea.
The agency reported that the analysis showed three simultaneous explosions on the ship’s deck, indicating that the attack was carried out using explosives planted on the ship, rather than by a missile or drone.
The agency quoted a U.S. defense official, who requested anonymity, as saying that “U.S. officials were aware of the fires and are closely monitoring the situation.”
Meanwhile, the British newspaper Financial Times mentioned that “the ship’s explosion represents a new tactic by the Houthis.” It explained that since launching their campaign last November, the group has sunk two other ships—the “Rubymar” in February and the “Totor” in June—but deliberately exploding an abandoned ship is a new precedent.
Sanaa government forces had broadcast footage of the “Sounion” being set on fire, claiming that the ship’s owner had violated the ban on entering the ports of occupied Palestine. The footage showed large simultaneous explosions on the ship’s deck, resulting in a massive fire on board.
In the same context, the British Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) noted in a bulletin on Friday evening that they had observed three fires on the “Sounion” and indicated that the ship was drifting in the water.
The Associated Press analysis was further supported by footage showing shots from manned boats that were close to the ship during the explosion, suggesting that fighters had boarded the ship and planted explosives.
For its part, the British maritime security company Ambrey reported on Friday that a fire had been observed approximately 58 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s As-Salif port, with hostile manned boats operating in the area.
On Thursday evening, Sanaa government forces announced that they had targeted the “Sounion,” describing it as “belonging to a company dealing with the Israeli enemy and violating the ban on entering the ports of occupied Palestine.” They confirmed that the ship had sustained a precise and direct hit while sailing in the Red Sea and was now at risk of sinking.
