Oil tanker hit by missile in Gulf of Aden after transiting Red Sea

Fire is seen after an airstrike launched by the United States and Britain near Sanaa in Yemen, Jan. 12, 2024. The United States and Britain launched several airstrikes on Houthi military sites around the Yemeni capital Sanaa before dawn Friday, Houthi-controlled Saba news agency and residents said.Xinhua News Agency | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images

An oil tanker operated on behalf of Trafigura was struck by a missile on Friday after transiting the Red Sea, a company spokesperson told CNBC in statement.

The Marlin Luanda, a petroleum products tanker vessel, was struck by the missile in the Gulf of Aden. Firefighting equipment on board is being used to suppress a fire in one of the cargo tanks, the spokesperson said.

“We remain in contact with the vessel and are monitoring the situation carefully,” Trafigura said. “Military ships in the region are underway to provide assistance.”

Houthi militants in Yemen have attacked commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea since November in support of Palestinians. The U.S. and UK began a series of airstrikes against the militia on Jan. 11 aimed at deterring the Iranian-backed group.

Houthi militants fired a ballistic missile at the U.S. Navy destroyer Carney in the Gulf of Aden earlier on Friday, according to U.S. Central Command. The missile was shot down by the Carney. No injuries or damage were reported, according to CENTCOM.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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