British Navy, Maritime Group Report Two Incidents In Red Sea

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Maritime security firm Ambrey received on January 6 a report of a maritime security event in the Red Sea’s Bab al-Mandab area, the United Kingdom-based firm said in an advisory note, without elaborating.

In the note, the firm advises ships sailing in the area to minimize deck movements and only essential crew should be on the bridge.

Later in the day, The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a Royal Navy detachment, said that it had received a report of six small craft approaching a merchant vessel within one nautical mile, approximately 50 nautical miles to the city of Mocha on Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

No weapons have been sighted and forces from the United States-led coalition are assisting, UKMTO said in a note, adding that authorities are investigating the incident.

“Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity,” the note concluded.

In recent weeks, the Houthis (Ansar Allah) in Yemen have launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel-affiliated commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The group also launched strikes against the southernmost Israeli city of Eilat more than once.

The attacks were carried out by the Iranian-backed group in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which is being invaded by Israel.

In response to the attacks, the U.S. set up a multinational naval coalition in the Red Sea. Recently, Washington and its allies issued a final warning to the Houthis. However, the group stressed that it won’t cease attacks until the war in Gaza is over.

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