Houthis claims it hit British oil tanker in Gulf of Aden

Yemen’s Houthi rebel group claimed it has attacked a British oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden earlier today.

The group said its naval forces attacked the Marlin Luanda with missiles, causing a fire to break out.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement: “a number of appropriate naval missiles, the strike was direct”.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations issued a warning following the reported attack, saying: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident 60NM South East of Aden, Yemen. CSO reports that a vessel has been struck and is currently on fire. They are requiring assistance. Authorities have been informed and are responding. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.”

This story is being updated.