Barran Press
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a security incident 170 nautical miles southwest of Aden, southern Yemen, on Saturday, August 3, 2024.
In a warning notice posted on its "X" account seen by "Barran Press", the agency stated that authorities are investigating the incident.
The UKMTO did not disclose details about the nature of the incident, its consequences, the targeted vessel, or the responsible party. However, it advised ships to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.
This incident marks the first since the Israeli attack on Hudaydah port in western Yemen on July 20, which drew widespread condemnation from the local and Arab communities. The Red Sea region had experienced a notable lull in activity, with the US conducting limited airstrikes against Houthi sites and capabilities.
Over the past two weeks, there have been no reported attacks by the Houthi group, internationally designated as a terrorist organization. The last attack claimed by the group occurred on July 19, a day before the Israeli attack on Hudaydah, targeting the vessel "Lobivia" in the Gulf of Aden.
Since November 2023, the Houthi group has launched missile and drone attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden off the Yemeni coast, claiming they are in support of Gaza, which is facing an Israeli onslaught.
These attacks have driven up maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to favor the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
To deter the Houthis, the US-led "Prosperity Guard" coalition, which includes Britain as a key participant, launched airstrikes against Houthi sites in Yemen in January 2024. According to its statements, the Houthi group has expanded its operations to include vessels linked to Washington and London.