A cargo ship that was struck by a Houthi ballistic missile on Monday has created an 18-mile long oil slick in the Red Sea as it continues to take on water, two US officials said Friday.

The M/V Rubymar — a Belize-flagged, UK-registered, Lebanese-owned vessel — was carrying 41,000 tons of fertilizer when it was struck on Monday by one of two ballistic missiles fired from Houthi territory in Yemen.

US Central Command said the ship is currently anchored as it takes on water. “The Houthis continue to demonstrate disregard for the regional impact of their indiscriminate attacks, threatening the fishing industry, coastal communities, and imports of food supplies,” US Central Command said.

  • TWeaK@lemm.ee
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    8 months ago

    But if you supply them under the knowledge they will “defend themselves”, that doesn’t put you in trouble.

    Not saying I agree with Israel or the US providing them weapons, but there’s a bit of (perhaps bullshit) plausible deniability involved, and also the US is Israel’s ally so they’re supposed to support them in some manner (although I would say this should stop at providing naval support and generally protecting trade through the region, rather than providing weapons that are obviously being used for genocide).

    It must also be remembered that these are not donations, even though politicians seem to frame them that way. Weapons and support is provided under bilateral aid agreements - it is a two way deal, and one that almost always favours the country that’s giving. Israel is effectively taking out long term loans with the US to buy weapons.

    • Linkerbaan@lemmy.world
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      8 months ago

      Pleading ignorance worked wonders during Neurenberg trials right? Just following orders or something?