Houthi Escalation Takes Dangerous Turn with Massive Fire on British Tanker

British oil tanker targeted in Houthi attack in Gulf of Aden (AFP)
British oil tanker targeted in Houthi attack in Gulf of Aden (AFP)
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Houthi Escalation Takes Dangerous Turn with Massive Fire on British Tanker

British oil tanker targeted in Houthi attack in Gulf of Aden (AFP)
British oil tanker targeted in Houthi attack in Gulf of Aden (AFP)

Houthi militias in Yemen have escalated attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, reaching a critical point with a missile hitting a British oil tanker on Friday.

The resulting massive blaze on the Marlin Luanda took hours to control, raising fears of an environmental disaster if the tanker sank.

The Marlin Luanda is operated on behalf of Trafigura, a multinational trading giant domiciled in Singapore.

Earlier, Trafigura said a fire in the ship’s cargo tank had been extinguished with the help of Indian, US and French Navy vessels and all crew were safe.

“We would like to recognize the exceptional dedication and bravery of the ship’s master and crew who managed to control the fire in highly difficult circumstances, as well as the essential assistance provided by Indian, United States and French Navy vessels to achieve this outcome,” a spokesperson said.

Houthi threats to shipping in the region persisted despite joint US-UK strikes against the group's sites in Yemen earlier this week.

On Saturday, the US responded to the Houthi missile threat with early strikes. Houthis confirmed the attack, claiming it targeted a site near the Ras Isa port in northern Hodeidah.

Since November 19, there have been around 34 Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Despite 10 US strikes, two involving the UK, the threat to a crucial trade route persists.

Iranian-backed Houthis say they attack to block Israeli ships and now also target US and UK vessels, tying the end of these assaults to a resolution in Gaza.

The head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Rashad Al-Alimi, emphasized on Saturday that military strikes are not the solution.

Al-Alimi reiterated his belief in collaboration with the Yemeni government to restore the state and its institutions, offering an alternative approach to the ongoing military efforts against the Houthi threat.



Barrack Says Hezbollah Involvement in Iran-Israel War Would Be 'Very Bad Decision'

A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
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Barrack Says Hezbollah Involvement in Iran-Israel War Would Be 'Very Bad Decision'

A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)

The US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Thursday warned Hezbollah against getting involved in the war between its main backer Iran and Israel.

"I can say on behalf of President (Donald) Trump... that would be a very, very, very bad decision," Barrack said, responding to a question on what the US position would be on any involvement by Hezbollah in the war.

Barrack met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace and Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.

Hezbollah has condemned Israel's strikes on Iran and expressed full solidarity with its leadership.

Hezbollah on Thursday expressed support for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following threats by Israeli leaders that he could be killed.

In a statement, Hezbollah said that “threats to assassinate (Khamenei) are foolish and reckless, and will have disastrous consequences.”

But the group has stopped short of making explicit threats to intervene.

Israel's defense minister said Thursday that Khamenei "can no longer be allowed to exist" after an Israeli hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack.

"Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed -- he personally gives the order to fire on hospitals. He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal," Israel Katz told journalists in Holon near Tel Aviv. "Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist."

Killing Khamenei would "end the conflict" between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.