UKTMO Reports Two ‘Incidents’ off Yemeni Coast, Near Bab Al-Mandab

The British Maritime Trade Operations Department (UKMTO) said it has received information about a potential explosion in the vicinity of Bab al-Mandab, off the Yemeni port of Mocha.

“UKMTO has received a report of an incident in the vicinity of the Bab El Mandeb, 30nm [nautical miles] South of port Mokha, Yemen,” the British maritime agency said in a post on X.

Without providing further details, it said an investigation is underway to specify the nature of the incident.

“Master reports a possible explosion in the water 2NM off one of the vessels [sic] quarters. Authorities are investigating,” the agency detailed.

It also advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity in the area to the Department. 

Israeli media rushed to comment on the reported incident, saying that “the Yemenis are not stopping,” in reference to the current operations that the Yemeni Armed Forces are carrying out in solidarity with Gaza.

A couple of hours later, UKTMO reported another “incident” 24NM southeast of Mokha Port, Yemen, also advising vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity in the area to the Department. 

Yemeni operations significantly impacting ‘Israel’s’ economy

Israeli Channel 12‘s Foreign Affairs Editor, Yaron Schneider, stated that “the Yemenis have succeeded in achieving their self-imposed goal, which is disrupting maritime trade to Israel.”

This comes shortly after the head of the Sanaa negotiating delegation, Mohammad Abdul Salam, affirmed that “the Red Sea is safe for everyone except ships affiliated with the Israeli enemy,” emphasizing that “Yemeni operations have a significant economic impact on Israel.”

Israeli media noted that altering sailing routes could lead to an increase in prices for goods imported from the Far East. Among the possible affected branches in trade are “fabrics, automobiles, raw materials, and electrical components.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, he reiterated that “any actions taken by the Yemeni Armed Forces are linked to lifting the blockade on Gaza and halting the aggression against the Strip.”

“The Palestinian cause does not tolerate compromise, and we cannot accept what is happening to the people of Gaza,” he stressed

The Yemeni Armed Forces conducted multiple operations, such as intercepting a Norwegian-flagged oil tanker with a direct missile while heading to Israeli ports. They also captured an Israeli ship in the Red Sea and launched missiles and drones at Umm al-Rashrash region (“Eilat”) in southern occupied Palestine, emphasizing their commitment to continuing these operations until the aggression on Gaza ceases.