The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a security alert on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, warning of an entity impersonating the organization and demanding ships activate their Automatic Identification System (AIS) and provide location updates.

The UKMTO stated in a security notice published on its official website, monitored by "Barran Press", that it had been informed of an entity falsely claiming to be the UKMTO and requesting ships to activate their AIS and provide their current location.

The British authority advised shipmasters to verify any calls from the UKMTO using information published in the Piracy Reporting Instructions Guide or the Maritime Security Chart Q6099.

Since November 2023, the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by various countries, has continued its attacks on commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden using missiles and drones.

These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the significantly longer route around the southern tip of the African continent.

To deter the Houthis and protect maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. Meanwhile, US forces have been conducting periodic strikes against Houthi military targets.