UKMTO reports suspicious activity involving small crafts near Yemen

UKMTO Reports Suspicious Activity Involving Small Crafts Near Yemen

On December 15, 2025, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a warning regarding suspicious activity involving small crafts approximately 15 nautical miles (NM) west of Yemen. The advisory, labeled 043-25-ADVISORY, was prompted by reports received via email concerning an incident that raised concerns for maritime safety in the region.

Key Details

According to the initial update from UKMTO, a vessel operating in the vicinity reported sighting around 15 small crafts. Some of these crafts reportedly approached the vessel to within a range of 1-2 nautical miles, leading to an exchange of fire. The master of the vessel confirmed that the crew remained safe throughout the incident, and there were no reported casualties. Following the confrontation, the small crafts departed the scene, allowing the vessel to continue its journey to its next port of call.

In a subsequent update, UKMTO classified the incident as suspicious activity, emphasizing the need for heightened situational awareness among vessels operating in the area. The organization advised all maritime operators to exercise caution while transiting through this region and to report any further suspicious activities to UKMTO for assessment and response.

Background

The UKMTO is an organization that provides maritime security information and guidance to commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the waters surrounding Yemen. The region has been known for its volatile security situation, particularly due to ongoing conflicts and piracy threats. The advisory issued on December 15 serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by vessels operating in these waters.

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, which has led to significant instability and has created a conducive environment for piracy and other maritime crimes. The presence of small crafts in the area, particularly those engaging in hostile actions, raises alarms about the safety of commercial shipping routes that are vital for global trade.

What"s Next

In light of the recent incident, maritime operators are urged to remain vigilant and maintain communication with UKMTO. The organization’s advisory highlights the importance of situational awareness and the need for vessels to report any unusual or suspicious activities promptly. This incident underscores the ongoing risks associated with navigating near conflict zones and the necessity for robust maritime security measures.

As the situation develops, UKMTO will continue to monitor the area and provide updates as necessary. The maritime community is encouraged to stay informed about the latest security advisories and to implement best practices for safety while operating in potentially hazardous waters.

For further context on related international security issues, readers may find interest in recent developments regarding the EU"s establishment of a commission for war damage claims against Russia, which reflects the broader implications of conflict on global stability and security.