Houthi missile strike triggers fire on oil tanker

A missile claimed by Yemen's Houthis has reportedly struck an oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, setting it on fire. The Marlin Luanda was targeted by the group on Friday evening, according to their statement. The incident took place 60 nautical miles southeast of Aden, as confirmed by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). No injuries have been reported, and a nearby naval ship is responding to the distress signal. This attack is the latest in a series of strikes by the Houthis on commercial ships in the Red Sea area. The UKMTO has alerted authorities and urged caution for other vessels, advising them to report any suspicious activity. Houthi military spokesperson Yaha Sarea claimed that multiple naval missiles were used in the direct strike. The oil tanker is flagged with the Marshall Islands. Since November, the Houthis have executed numerous attacks on commercial ships passing through the Red Sea, a major global shipping route. The group has stated that it targets ships associated with Israel in response to the military operations in Gaza, although many of the vessels attacked have no connection to Israel. Recently, the UK and US conducted further airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, and sanctions are being implemented to deprive the Iran-backed militant group of its financial resources.