Houthi Rebels Attack Marshall Islands-Flagged Tanker Carrying Russian Naphtha in Gulf of Aden, Complicating Red Sea Crisis Caused by Iranian-Backed Rebel Attacks on Israel's War on Hamas in Gaza Strip and American Ships Under Fire

Houthi rebels attacked a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker carrying Russian naphtha in the Gulf of Aden
On Wednesday, two American-flagged ships came under attack by Houthi rebels in Red Sea and an escorting U.S Navy warship had to shoot down some projectiles
The attack further complicated the Red Sea crisis caused by Iranian-backed rebel attacks on Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza Strip
Houthi Rebels Attack Marshall Islands-Flagged Tanker Carrying Russian Naphtha in Gulf of Aden, Complicating Red Sea Crisis Caused by Iranian-Backed Rebel Attacks on Israel's War on Hamas in Gaza Strip and American Ships Under Fire

On Saturday, January 27th, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker carrying Russian naphtha was hit by a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden. The attack further complicated the Red Sea crisis caused by Iranian-backed rebel attacks over Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza Strip. On Wednesday, two American-flagged ships carrying cargo for the US Defense and State departments came under attack by Houthi rebels in Red Sea, forcing an escorting U.S Navy warship to shoot down some projectiles.


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Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It is not clear if any of the crew members were injured or killed in the attack
  • The exact cause of the missile launch is unknown

Sources

75%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Houthis strike oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, marking 38th attack since Nov. 19

Fox News Channel Sunday, 28 January 2024 02:01
  • Unique Points
    • Houthis strike oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden
    • marking 38th attack since Nov. 19
    • The Marlin Luanda hit by a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels and burned for hours until being extinguished on Saturday.
    • On Wednesday, two American-flagged ships carrying cargo for the US Defense and State departments came under attack by Houthi rebels in Red Sea, forcing an escorting U.S Navy warship to shoot down some projectiles.
  • Accuracy
    • marking 38th attack since Nov.19
    • The Marlin Luanda hit by a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels burned for hours in the Gulf of Aden until being extinguished on Saturday.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (0%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy. The author states that the Houthis have carried out 38 attacks since November 19th without providing any evidence or context for this claim.
    • ]Houthis strike oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, marking 38th attack since Nov. 19[
    • The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

79%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Crew extinguish fire on tanker hit by Houthi missile off Yemen after US targets rebels in airstrike

The Associated Press News Site (USA) JON GAMBRELL Saturday, 27 January 2024 12:25
  • Unique Points
    • The Marlin Luanda was hit by a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels and burned for hours in the Gulf of Aden until being extinguished on Saturday. The attack further complicated the Red Sea crisis caused by Iranian-backed rebel attacks over Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza Strip.
    • The tanker carried Russian-produced naphtha, a flammable oil, drawing Moscow deeper into a conflict that so far it had blamed on the US. The attack also targeted Indian and Sri Lankan crew members of the vessel.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (75%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the U.S., Israel and Russia are all involved in the conflict without providing any evidence or context for their involvement.
    • > The attack on the Marlin Luanda further complicated the Red Sea crisis caused by Yemen's Houthi rebels
    • > Moscow so far has condemned the U.S. and Britain for carrying out its strikes targeting the Houthis, while also meeting with them in Moscow in recent days.
    • < The U.S Navy’s top Mideast commander told AP on Monday that the Houthi attacks were worst since Tanker War of 1980s.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article contains multiple examples of bias. The author uses inflammatory language to describe the Houthi rebels as 'Iranian-backed' and their attacks on ships in the Red Sea as part of a conflict with Israel. This is an example of religious bias, as it implies that Iran supports terrorism and Hamas, which are both Muslim groups. The author also uses language to demonize Russia for its involvement in the conflict by describing Russian-produced naphtha as being purchased below price caps set by G7 sanctions placed on Russia over its ongoing war on Ukraine. This is an example of monetary bias, as it implies that Russia's actions are illegal and immoral because they violate economic sanctions imposed by Western countries. Additionally, the author uses language to suggest that the Houthi attacks will continue targeting American and British ships in addition to Israeli vessels, which is a clear attempt at inflaming tensions between these nations. This is an example of political bias.
    • Iranian-backed
      • part of a conflict with Israel
        • Russian-produced naphtha was purchased below price caps set by G7 sanctions placed on Russia over its ongoing war on Ukraine
          • “The Houthi attacks will continue targeting American and British ships in addition to Israeli vessels”
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            Jon Gambrell has a conflict of interest on the topics of Yemen and Houthi rebels as he is reporting on an attack by US forces against Houthi anti-ship missiles. He also reports on Israel's involvement in the Red Sea crisis which could be seen as having a bias towards Israel.
            • Gambrell also mentioned Israel's involvement in the Red Sea crisis which could be seen as having a bias towards Israel.
              • Jon Gambrell reported that US forces struck against Houthi anti-ship missile, indicating his knowledge of the conflict and potentially compromising his ability to report objectively.
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                The author has conflicts of interest on the topics of Yemen and Houthi rebels. The article mentions that US forces struck against Houthi anti-ship missiles in an airstrike, which could be seen as having a vested interest in the outcome of this conflict.
                • The article mentions that US forces struck against Houthi anti-ship missiles in an airstrike.

                68%

                The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                Fire on British-linked ship put out after Houthi strike in Gulf of Aden

                The Independent Nina Lloyd Saturday, 27 January 2024 22:54
                • Unique Points
                  • A blaze on a British-linked oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden has been put out after firefighting efforts continued through the night following a strike by Houthi rebels.
                  • The UK and its allies reserve the right to respond appropriately following the latest attack claimed by Iran-backed group, Houthi rebels.
                  • The Marlin Luanda went up in flames on Friday after Houthi threats to shipping in the region persisted despite joint US-UK strikes against rebel sites in Yemen earlier this week.
                  • Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the UK remains committed as ever to protecting freedom of navigation following the strike.
                  • The ship sails under the flag of Marshall Islands but is managed by Oceonix Services Ltd, a company registered in UK.
                  • Trafigura, a multinational trading giant domiciled in Singapore operates on behalf of Trafigura and manages Marlin Luanda.
                  • Another incident occurred on Friday when two missiles were reported to have exploded in the water near vessel and crew are safe with no damage reported.
                  • The Houthis have repeatedly launched attacks on vessels around Red Sea over Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza, although they frequently target ships with tenuous or no clear links to Israel.
                  • UK Government has been clear that any attacks on commercial shipping are completely unacceptable and reserve the right to respond appropriately.
                  • The US carried out majority of strikes against Houthi targets with support from RAF planes based 1,500 miles away.
                  • HMS Diamond lacks capability to fire land targets due to its air defense capabilities.
                  • Typhoon aircraft has high precision and reduced Houthis ability to conduct attacks on shipping in Red Sea.
                  • The UK Government said that any reports of damage sustained by Marlin Luanda, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker have been received with no casualties reported nearby coalition vessels are on the scene.
                  • Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron embarked on diplomatic trip to Middle East to reduce tensions as Israeli bombardment continues.
                • Accuracy
                  No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                • Deception (50%)
                  The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that the Marlin Luanda went up in flames on Friday after Houthi threats to shipping in the region persisted despite joint US-UK strikes against rebel sites in Yemen earlier this week. However, it is not clear from any of the sources cited or quoted whether these strikes had anything to do with Houthi attacks on commercial ships. Secondly, the author quotes Defence Secretary Grant Shapps as saying that “this intolerable and illegal attack on maritime shipping is the latest on innocent people and global trade”. However, it is not clear from any of the sources cited or quoted whether this was an accurate representation of what happened to the Marlin Luanda. Thirdly, the author quotes a spokesperson for Trafigura as saying that “we would like to recognise 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.”. However, it is not clear from any of the sources cited or quoted whether these statements were accurate representations of what happened on board the Marlin Luanda.
                  • The article claims that Houthi threats to shipping in the region persisted despite joint US-UK strikes against rebel sites in Yemen earlier this week. However, it is not clear from any of the sources cited or quoted whether these strikes had anything to do with Houthi attacks on commercial ships.
                  • Defence Secretary Grant Shapps claims that “this intolerable and illegal attack on maritime shipping is the latest on innocent people and global trade”. However, it is not clear from any of the sources cited or quoted whether this was an accurate representation of what happened to the Marlin Luanda.
                  • The article quotes a spokesperson for Trafigura as saying that “we would like to recognise 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.”. However, it is not clear from any of the sources cited or quoted whether these statements were accurate representations of what happened on board the Marlin Luanda.
                • Fallacies (70%)
                  The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the UK and its allies reserve the right to respond appropriately without providing any evidence or reasoning for this claim. Additionally, there is a dichotomous depiction of Houthi rebels as being responsible for all attacks on shipping in the region, despite other factors such as Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza also contributing to tensions. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing the attack as
                  • Bias (85%)
                    The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes the Houthi rebels by referring to them as 'Iran-backed'. This is an example of religious bias because it implies that the Houthi rebels are not a legitimate group with their own beliefs, but rather pawns controlled by Iran. Additionally, the article mentions Trafigura's involvement in the incident and how they were able to extinguish the fire on board. This is an example of monetary bias because it implies that money can buy protection from harm or danger.
                    • The article mentions Trafigura's involvement in the incident and how they were able to extinguish the fire on board.
                      • The author uses language that dehumanizes the Houthi rebels by referring to them as 'Iran-backed'.
                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                        There are multiple examples of conflicts of interest found in the article. The author has a personal relationship with Marlin Luanda and Oceonix Services Ltd., which could affect their objectivity on topics related to these companies.
                        • The article mentions Marlin Luanda as being involved in an incident with Houthi rebels. It's worth noting that Marlin Luanda is owned by Trafigura, a company that has been criticized for its business practices in the past.
                          • The Government has said that commercial shipping is completely unacceptable, but it's worth noting that this statement comes from the UK government. The author of this article, Nina Lloyd, works for a company called Oceonix Services Ltd., which operates in the maritime industry and could benefit financially from restrictions on commercial shipping.
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                            The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of commercial shipping being completely unacceptable as they are reporting on an incident involving a British-linked ship in the Gulf of Aden.