UK maritime agency reports incident off Yemeni coast

ISTANBUL

Britain's maritime agency on Friday reported an incident that occurred off the Yemeni coast.

In a statement, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the incident took place 14 kilometers southwest of Al-Mukha port city on the Red Sea coast of Yemen.

It didn't elaborate further but said authorities are investigating the incident.

"Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO," the maritime agency said.

Yemen’s Houthi group has been targeting cargo ships in the Red Sea owned or operated by Israeli companies or transporting goods to and from Israel in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7 last year.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced the creation of a multinational mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter the Houthi attacks.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar