Barran Press
Southern Transitional Council (STC) security forces reported Thursday the interception of two international vessels that entered Yemeni territorial waters off the coast of Ahwar district in Abyan province. A joint unit from the Coastal Belt and Coast Guard detected the vessels six nautical miles offshore, navigating unauthorized routes.
The first vessel, the Sido, operated by MCD Shipping and flying a Latin American flag, had 14 Syrian crew members. Authorities stated that legal procedures were initiated following its interception. The second vessel was located east of Ahwar, while the Sido was tracked near the Maqatin area. Both were identified through operational surveillance, leading to a swift response under the direction of Brig. Gen. Mahdi Hantoush.
Officials emphasized that the unauthorized navigation violated Yemeni maritime sovereignty under international law. The crews were interrogated to ascertain the reasons for deviating from legal shipping lanes, and legal measures are being taken based on initial findings.