UKMTO map tracking vessels, including the attacked vessel on August 26, 2024 (UKMTO official)

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Coordination Center has reported a new security incident involving an attack near Yemen.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported receiving information about a small boat approaching the vessel at high speed from the starboard quarter. The report added that the incident occurred 55 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen.

20240826 ADVISORY INCIDENT 113 - SIGHTINGhttps://t.co/K4BU9BXk05
UKMTO has received a report of a small boat approaching at high speed on the starboard quarter of the vessel. The incident was 55NM southeast of Aden, Yemen.#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/lslGX3s7a3
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) August 26, 2024

The Yemenis have openly declared their support for Palestine’s struggle against Israeli occupation since the occupation launched a devastating war on Gaza, vowing to continue their operations until the Israeli ground and aerial attacks on Gaza end.

Earlier this week, the YAF carried out two military operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in response to the injustice faced by the Palestinian people and their Resistance fighters, as well as the American and British aggression against Yemen, announced YAF spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree on August 22.

In a televised statement, Saree confirmed that the first operation targeted the oil vessel SOUNION, which is owned by a company that deals with the Israeli occupation entity. He pointed out that the vessel was struck with accuracy while navigating in the Red Sea and is now at risk of sinking.

The UKMTO said the Greek-flagged oil tanker was attacked 77 nautical miles (142 kilometers) west of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah.

Unidentified attackers in two boats reportedly fired four shells at the tanker, causing it to lose control. The Greek company Delta Tankers, which owns the SOUNION, confirmed that the vessel was adrift following the incident.