The British Ministry of Defence confirmed on May 10, 2026, that a Royal Navy warship caught fire after being struck by a missile launched by Houthi forces off the coast of Yemen. The incident occurred near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait, a key shipping route.
According to a statement from the MoD, the ship was on patrol in the region when it was targeted. The crew managed to contain the fire, and no casualties have been reported. The vessel has since returned to port for assessment and repairs.
The Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in retaliation for recent UK and US airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. The UK has condemned the attack, calling it a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict.
This marks the first direct hit on a British warship since the Houthis began targeting commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea in late 2023. The UK has urged all parties to de-escalate and ensure the safety of maritime navigation.
