The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a stark warning today to vessels bound for Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen, citing ongoing severe security risks to commercial shipping. The warning specifically targets ports like Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif.

In a statement reviewed by "Bran Press," UKMTO emphasized that the threat level remains high in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The authority cautioned that any potential strikes on these ports could result in significant collateral damage to nearby commercial vessels.

Ship captains and shipping companies are urged by the UKMTO to exercise extreme caution when approaching Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Saleef. They are also advised to carefully consider the feasibility of continuing navigation operations to these areas given the persistent security tensions.

Since November 2023, the Houthi group has consistently launched missile and drone attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden. In response to these aggressions and to safeguard maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023. US forces have also carried out intermittent strikes against Houthi military targets.

In mid-March, the US military announced the destruction of the Ras Isa fuel terminal following 14 airstrikes. This action was justified as an effort to cut off financial resources for the Iran-backed group, with the US noting that the Houthis continued to benefit economically and militarily from countries and companies providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

The targeting of Ras Isa came approximately a week after the United States warned countries, companies, and commercial entities against dealing with or providing any support to Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen, classifying such actions as violations of US law.