Houthi missile hits oil tanker in Gulf of Aden

An oil tanker, the Marlin Luanda, is on fire in the Gulf of Aden following a missile strike by the Houthi rebels, according to its operator Trafigura.

The attack, occurring on Friday evening, caused a fire in one of the ship’s cargo tanks, prompting efforts to contain it using firefighting equipment. US officials confirm that an anti-ship ballistic missile hit the tanker, with a naval ship responding to its distress signal.

No injuries have been reported, and all crew members are reported safe. The incident, the latest in a series of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea region, took place 60 nautical miles south-east of Aden, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Warships are on the scene, supporting the vessel and cautioning other ships to transit carefully.

Trafigura spokesperson assured that military ships are en route to assist, emphasizing the top priority of crew safety. The oil tanker, flagged with the Marshall Islands, has become a target for Houthi naval missiles.

Houthi military spokesman Yaha Sarea claimed responsibility, stating that the group used “appropriate naval missiles,” describing the strike as “direct.”

This event follows a previous incident on Friday near Aden, where the UKMTO reported two missiles in the water near a vessel. The Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, starting in November, are linked to their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the conflict with Israel.

In response to these attacks, the US and UK have conducted air strikes on the Houthis, who, in turn, have warned of increased attacks on shipping. Both nations are also imposing sanctions on the Iran-backed militant group to cut off its financial resources.

The situation is being closely monitored as efforts continue to manage the aftermath of the missile strike on the oil tanker.

(with inputs from Agencies)