Houthis in Yemen agree on a truce for vessels to approach damaged oil tanker
(VOVWORLD) - Iran's mission to the United Nations said on Thursday that the Houthi movement in Yemen has agreed to a temporary ceasefire to allow tugs and rescue ships to sail to the Greek-flagged damaged oil tanker in the Red Sea.
The Sounion was carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, which was attacked by the Houthi off the Yemeni port city of al-Hudaydah last week.
The attack caused massive fires and explosions on the ship, forcing the evacuation of the crew. The incident also raised concerns about a possible environmental disaster. An oil spill from the tanker has the potential to be the largest in history,
According to the Iranian mission, Houthi’s decision on the ceasefire was made in response to humanitarian and environmental demands from several countries to prevent environmental disasters and support rescue operations.
Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam also confirmed that the forces agreed to the ceasefire after negotiations with representatives of the European Union in Muscat (Oman).