The Yemeni government has issued an urgent appeal to the international community to help avert a potential environmental disaster in the Red Sea. This follows a Houthi assault on the British-owned, Belize-flagged bulk carrier “Rubymar,” which was transporting hazardous chemicals.
On Saturday, the government announced the formation of an emergency committee tasked with addressing the imminent threat of thousands of tons of fertilizer and oil spilling into the Red Sea. The “Rubymar” was attacked by Houthi forces on February 18 as it transited one of the world’s most strategic shipping routes.
“We call upon the international community to act swiftly to prevent a catastrophic ecological event,” the government statement said. “The potential spillage poses a grave risk to marine life, regional economies, and global shipping lanes.”
The emergency committee has been instructed to develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate the risks associated with the damaged vessel and to coordinate with international partners for immediate support.
The Red Sea is a crucial corridor for global maritime trade, and any environmental crisis could have far-reaching consequences. Environmentalists warn that a significant spill could devastate local ecosystems and impact millions who rely on the sea for their livelihoods.
This incident underscores the ongoing risks in the region due to the protracted conflict in Yemen, where Houthi forces and the internationally recognized government have been at odds for years.
The Yemeni government emphasized the need for collaborative international efforts to address not only the immediate threat but also to work towards stabilizing the region to prevent future crises.
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Yemeni gov't calls for preventing environmental disaster in Red Sea
cgtn.com
