In the latest maritime incident in the Gulf of Aden, an oil tanker, the Marlin Luanda, operated by Trafigura, caught fire following a missile strike claimed by the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The attack occurred on Friday evening, targeting a cargo tank and prompting firefighting efforts to contain the blaze. The US military confirmed the missile strike and reported that naval ships responded to the distress signal, emphasizing no injuries were reported.

The Houthi movement, backed by Iran, asserted responsibility for the attack, citing it as a response to what they perceive as "American-British aggression." Although the Houthi spokesperson referred to the Marlin Luanda as a British vessel, it is flagged under the Marshall Islands. The incident, located 60 nautical miles southeast of Aden, marks the latest in a series of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea region. The group claims these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In response to the escalating situation, the US and UK have conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets, garnering support from other nations. The UK government denounced attacks on commercial shipping as "completely unacceptable" and, along with allies, reserved the right to respond appropriately. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a warning to vessels, urging caution and the reporting of any suspicious activity.

Highlighting the ongoing tensions, the US Central Command disclosed that its forces conducted a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile, preventing its launch into the Red Sea. The operation occurred at 03:45 local time on Saturday, destroying the missile in self-defense. Since November, the Houthis have carried out numerous attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, a crucial global shipping lane.