The U.S. Central Command has reported an “environmental disaster” in the Red Sea following a missile attack by Houthi militants on a ship carrying fertilizer.

What Happened: The U.S. Central Command has declared an “environmental disaster” in the Red Sea due to a missile attack by Houthi militants on a ship transporting fertilizer. The ship, Rubymar, was hit by two missiles, causing it to take on water and release an 18-mile oil slick.

"The ship is anchored but slowly taking on water," Central Command said in a statement.

"The unprovoked and reckless attack by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists caused significant damage to the ship, which caused an 18-mile oil slick."

The crew, flying the Belize flag, was forced to abandon the ship, marking the first such evacuation since the Houthis began disrupting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis, who control a significant part of northwest Yemen, claimed to have sunk the vessel. The crew was rescued by a container ship and taken to Djibouti.

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The Rubymar was carrying over 41,000 tons of fertilizer, which could potentially spill into the Red Sea, worsening the environmental disaster. The U.S. Central Command criticized the Houthis for their “indiscriminate attacks” and their disregard for the regional impact.

"The M/V Rubymar was transporting over 41,000 tons of fertilizer when it was attacked, which could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster," Central Command added.

"The Houthis continue to demonstrate disregard for the regional impact of their indiscriminate attacks."

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