Al-Eryani blames Houthi militias for an imminent environmental disaster in the Red Sea after a tanker carrying ammonium nitrate sank off Hodeidah.
Houthi Militias Blamed for Environmental Catastrophe in the Red Sea
Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Holds Houthi Militias Accountable
Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Muammar Al-Eryani has placed full responsibility on the Iranian-backed Houthi militias for the catastrophic environmental, economic, and humanitarian consequences stemming from the sinking of the Greek bulk carrier MAGIC SEAS. The vessel, laden with approximately 17,000 metric tons of highly dangerous ammonium nitrate, sank off the coast of Al-Hudaydah, violating international laws and norms. This incident poses severe risks that could affect Yemen and neighboring Red Sea countries for years.
Immediate Threats to Marine Ecosystems
In a recent press statement, Al-Eryani emphasized that the leakage of such a large quantity of ammonium nitrate directly threatens the Red Sea’s ecosystem, particularly its rare coral reefs. He warned that the incident could destroy the marine food chain and lead to the death of numerous marine species due to algal blooms, which block sunlight. Additionally, the contamination of water sources that coastal desalination plants rely on could jeopardize access to safe drinking water, exacerbating the suffering of thousands of Yemeni families who depend on fishing for their livelihoods.
A Pattern of Environmental Negligence
Al-Eryani noted that this disaster is not an isolated incident. The Houthi militia previously targeted the cargo ship M/V Rubymar, registered in the UK and flying the Belize flag, on February 18, 2024. This attack occurred 25 nautical miles from the port of Al-Mokha, leading to the ship’s sinking on March 2, 2024. At that time, it was carrying over 41,000 tons of highly toxic IMDG 5.1 fertilizers, along with large quantities of oil and fuel, resulting in widespread pollution of the Red Sea.
Urgent Call for International Action
The minister urged all countries, organizations, and bodies concerned with marine environmental protection to take immediate action. He called for specialized response teams to address the spill’s effects, mitigate pollution, and secure leaking shipments to prevent chemical resources from contaminating the marine environment. Furthermore, he advocated for international patrols to protect the incident site and for support to the Yemeni government in managing this environmental crisis.
A Unified Global Response Needed
Al-Eryani also called on the international community to act swiftly and in coordination to counter the activities of the Houthi militia. He emphasized the need to classify the militia as a global terrorist organization, cut off its funding sources, and pursue its leadership. Full support for the Yemeni government is crucial to regain control over its territories, which he believes is the only path to ending these threats and ensuring the security and stability of Yemen, the region, and the world.
Protecting the Red Sea: A Collective Responsibility
Al-Eryani affirmed that safeguarding the Red Sea from an unprecedented environmental disaster is a collective responsibility for the international community. He warned against allowing this vital maritime corridor to become polluted and disrupted by Houthi terrorism, which threatens marine ecosystems, fish stocks, and food security for millions in Yemen and neighboring countries. This situation also endangers international interests in one of the most strategic routes, through which 12% of global trade transits.
For more details, visit Yemen TV.
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