WASHINGTON — The Pentagon has issued a warning about a potential environmental catastrophe following an attack by the Yemeni Houthi group on a Greek-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea last week.

Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder reported that the MV Delta Sounion, which was carrying approximately 1 million barrels of crude oil, is immobilized and on fire.

"The MV Delta Sounion ... appears to be leaking oil, presenting both a navigational hazard and a potential environmental catastrophe," Ryder said at a news conference.

He stressed that such attacks "destabilize global and regional commerce, put the lives of innocent civilian mariners at risk, and imperil the vibrant maritime ecosystem in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden."

US Central Command is closely monitoring the situation and working with maritime partners in the region to determine how best to assist the vessel and address the potential environmental impact, Ryder added.

The Houthis announced last Wednesday that the attack was in response to the ship's "violation of the ban on access to Israeli ports."

According to the Greek Maritime Affairs Ministry, the MV Delta Sounion was en route from Iraq to Greece and had a crew of two Russian and 23 Filipino sailors, who have been evacuated with the help of a partner nation vessel.

Since October 31, the Iran-backed Houthis have been targeting commercial ships owned by Israeli companies off the coast of Yemen, using drones and missiles in retaliation for Israel's attacks in Gaza. — Agencies