SANAA, Yemen

The Yemeni group Houthi said on Friday that it targeted a British oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden with several naval missiles.

"The Yemeni Naval Forces targeted the British oil tanker Marlin Luanda in the Gulf of Aden with several naval missiles, causing it to catch fire," the group's spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a statement.

For its part, British maritime security company, Ambrey, confirmed on Friday that it is aware of the incident reported southeast of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, in reference to the Gulf of Aden's attacks.

"A missile was reportedly seen headed towards the area," the company said in a statement on X.

"Merchant shipping is advised to be vigilant," it added.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that missiles were detonated in the water approximately 60 miles southwest of the Yemeni city of Aden on Friday.

Yemeni Houthis have targeted vessels in the Red Sea, in particular ones that are bound for Israel.

The Houthis say their attacks aim to pressure Israel to halt its deadly onslaught on the Gaza Strip, prompting the US and Britain to launch retaliatory airstrikes against Houthi targets inside Yemen.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio