According to US officials, they launched a "self-defence" attack against a Houthi anti-ship missile that was headed into the Red Sea.

The US Central Command stated that the missile was "prepared to launch".

"US forces identified the missile in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, and determined it presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the US Navy ships in the region," added the statement.

"Forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defence."

Since November 19, the Houthi group has responded to Israel's military actions in Gaza by launching drones and missiles at ships in the Red Sea.

The Houthi rebels' Friday night attack on a British fuel tanker was preceded by the US attack.

The US military said that although the Marlin Luanda, owned by the Singapore-based Trafigura trading company, sustained damage, no casualties were recorded, and the US Navy ship USS Carney was offering assistance.

In a televised speech, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack and stated that unless Israel's "aggression" against Palestinians in Gaza stops, its troops will continue to attack ships in the Red Sea.