The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Sunday it had received a report of an incident 13 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Al-Mukha, but that the vessel and its crew were safe.
According to an UKMTO advisory note, a merchant vessel had reported being approached by 12 small craft which remained in the vicinity of the vessel for about an hour before leaving the area.
The vessel and crew were reported safe, and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call, the advisory note added.
Meanwhile , in its latest update the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces successfully destroyed seven Iranian-backed Houthi rebels uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and one ground control station vehicle in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
CENCOM update added that it It was determined the UAVs and the ground control station presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region.
The update concluded that “These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure. This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.”