Aden — The Yemeni military affairs platform Defense Line has confirmed that the Iran-backed Houthi militia was responsible for the recent attack on the liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker FALCON in the Gulf of Aden, contradicting the group’s official denial of involvement.

The incident occurred on October 18, when the Cameroon-flagged FALCON was struck by an unidentified projectile approximately 60 nautical miles south of Ahwar, Yemen. The explosion ignited a fire onboard, leaving the vessel ablaze and adrift, according to reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and European naval forces.

While Houthi media outlets and officials swiftly denied any connection to the attack, Defense Line cited classified intelligence and trajectory analysis indicating that the projectile originated from Houthi-controlled territory in southern Yemen. 

The platform emphasized that the strike bore hallmarks of previous Houthi maritime assaults, including the use of land-based launch systems targeting commercial vessels in strategic waterways.

The attack on FALCON marks a troubling escalation in threats to international shipping in the region, particularly amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. 

Defense analysts warn that such incidents could disrupt global energy flows and further destabilize maritime security.

This is not the first time the Houthis have denied involvement in maritime attacks despite mounting evidence. Earlier this year, similar denials followed confirmed strikes on cargo ships and oil tankers transiting near Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea.

Western governments and regional coalitions have condemned the targeting of civilian vessels and called for enhanced naval patrols and intelligence sharing to deter future threats. 

The FALCON’s crew was reportedly evacuated safely, and a search-and-rescue operation was launched by nearby coalition forces.

The Defense Line report adds to growing concerns over the Houthis’ evolving capabilities and their continued defiance of international maritime norms.