Barran Press
On November 21, 2024, the British Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident involving a merchant vessel pursued by up to 12 small boats approximately 74 nautical miles southwest of Aden. The captain of the ship detailed the encounter, stating that over two hours, the boats followed closely, with one small vessel coming within one nautical mile.
In a statement posted on its official website, UKMTO confirmed that all crew members were safe and that the vessel was en route to its next port of call. The authority urged other ships to navigate cautiously and to report any suspicious activity.
Since October, the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by many countries, has escalated attacks using missiles and drones against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden. These aggressive actions have led to increased marine insurance costs, prompting many international shipping companies to opt for the significantly longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
In response to the Houthi threat, the U.S.-led "Prosperity Shield" coalition, which includes significant participation from the UK, initiated airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen starting in January 2024. The group has since broadened its operations to target vessels associated with Washington and London.