An oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden is currently engulfed in flames following a missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi militants. This incident is the latest in a series of attacks linked to the Iran-backed group, causing concern in the key shipping route. The British oil tanker Marlin Luanda, operated by commodities group Trafigura, was struck by a missile after transiting the Red Sea. The operator confirmed that firefighting equipment on board is being deployed to control the fire in one cargo tank on the starboard side.
The Houthi militants have claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it was in response to “American-British aggression against our country [Yemen]” and in support of the Palestinian people. The British government has yet to comment on the incident. However, the US Central Command reported that the ship issued a distress call and reported damage after militants fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
In response to the attack, the USS Carney, a guided missile destroyer, and other coalition ships are rendering assistance. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries at this time. NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) detected an ongoing blaze near the last known location of the Marlin Luanda in the Gulf of Aden.
Earlier in the day, the USS Carney successfully intercepted a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile targeting the US warship. This incident highlights the escalating tensions between the US, UK, and Houthi militants in Yemen. The Biden administration and its allies have warned that the group will face consequences for its attacks in the international shipping lane.
The Houthi leader, Abdul Malek al-Houthi, stated that their attacks will continue until the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza comes to an end. He sees confronting America directly as a great honor and blessing. These attacks have resulted in major shipping and oil companies suspending transit through the Gulf of Aden, forcing tankers to take longer routes around Africa instead of using the Suez Canal.
US intelligence officials believe that Iran is carefully orchestrating its response to Israel’s war in Gaza. While encouraging its proxy groups to target Israeli and American interests in the region, Iran is avoiding actions that could lead to a direct confrontation. This calculated approach adds another layer of complexity to the situation in Yemen.
Within Yemen itself, the conflict between Houthi forces and a Saudi-backed coalition has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis. The population is suffering from famine, economic turmoil, and extreme poverty. The conflict began in 2014 when Houthi forces stormed the capital Sanaa and toppled the internationally recognized government. In response, a Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015, leading to a wider war. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the conflict has resulted in the deaths of up to 377,000 people, with more than half dying from indirect causes such as lack of food, water, and healthcare.
As this story continues to develop, it is crucial to monitor the situation and its potential implications for regional stability. The attacks on oil tankers and the disruption of maritime trade routes have far-reaching consequences for global trade and security. The involvement of Iran and its proxy groups adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile region. The international community must work towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in Yemen and the wider Middle East to prevent further humanitarian suffering and instability.