A British oil tanker was hit by a missile and caught fire in the Gulf of Aden on Friday, according to the Yemeni Houthi rebels who claimed responsibility for the attack. The Iran-backed militia said it targeted the Marlin Luanda, a vessel registered in the Marshall Islands, with a “suitable naval missile” that caused a direct hit.
This is the latest in a series of attacks on international shipping by the Houthi rebels, who control most of the populated areas of Yemen and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since 2015. The rebels have also threatened to strike vessels in the Red Sea in protest of Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed an incident 60 nautical miles southeast of Aden on Friday, but said the vessel and crew were safe and no damage was reported. It warned other ships to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity in the area.
The attack came as the UK and the US have stepped up their military and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Yemen and curb Iran’s influence in the region. The UK Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, is currently on a trip to the Middle East, where he has met with Saudi and Israeli officials to discuss the situation in Yemen and Gaza. The US has also conducted several air strikes on Houthi targets and imposed sanctions on some of their leaders.
The Houthi rebels have shown no signs of abating their attacks despite international pressure and the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. They have vowed to continue their resistance against the Saudi-led coalition and its allies, accusing them of waging a war of aggression and violating the sovereignty of Yemen. The rebels have also denied any links to Iran, saying they are fighting for their independence and defending their country from foreign intervention.
The conflict in Yemen has been described as the world’s worst humanitarian disaster, with more than 230,000 people killed, millions displaced, and millions more facing famine and disease. The UN has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and a political solution to end the war, but the efforts have been hampered by the lack of trust and the complexity of the situation. The UK and the US have also faced criticism for their arms sales and support to the Saudi-led coalition, which has been accused of committing war crimes and targeting civilians in Yemen.
The attack on the British oil tanker has raised security concerns and tensions in the region, as well as the risk of escalation and retaliation. The UK has condemned the attack as a reckless and irresponsible act that endangers the lives of the crew and the stability of the region. The UK has also said it reserves the right to respond and will work closely with its partners to hold the perpetrators accountable and protect its interests. The US has also expressed its solidarity with the UK and its condemnation of the Houthi attack, saying it undermines the peace efforts and threatens the freedom of navigation. The US has also urged the Houthi rebels to stop their attacks and engage constructively in the UN-led peace process.