Barran Press
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Saturday, August 3, 2024, that it had received reports of two separate incidents off the coast of Aden, Yemen, within a short timeframe.
In a warning notice posted on its X account, seen by "Barran Press", the UKMTO stated that it had received a report of an incident 125 nautical miles east of Aden. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
Earlier that day, the UKMTO reported another security incident 170 nautical miles southwest of Aden. The agency, in a separate warning notice, confirmed that authorities are investigating this incident as well.
While the UKMTO did not disclose details about the nature of the incidents, their outcomes, the targeted vessels, or the responsible parties, they advised vessels to exercise caution while transiting the area and report any suspicious activity.
These incidents mark the first maritime events since the Israeli attack on the port of Hodeidah in Yemen on July 20, 2024. The attack, which sparked widespread condemnation, had been followed by a period of relative calm in the Red Sea.
Over the past two weeks, there have been no reported attacks by the Houthi group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by many countries. The last attack attributed to the group occurred on July 19, 2024, targeting the vessel Lobivia in the Gulf of Aden.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have been launching missile and drone attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen, claiming they are in support of Gaza, which is facing a brutal war by Israel.
These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
In response to the Houthi attacks, the US-led "Guardians of Prosperity" coalition, which includes the UK as a key participant, launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The Houthis, in turn, expanded their operations to target vessels linked to Washington and London.