UKTMO reports two 'incidents' off Yemeni coast, near Bab al-Mandab

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Dec 2023 10:24
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The British Maritime Trade Operations Department (UKMTO) says it has received reports indicating a possible explosion in the Bab al-Mandab area near the Yemeni port of Mokha.

A picture shows the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, approaching the port in the Red Sea, off Yemen’s province of Hodeida. (AFP)

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 Mokha.

"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.

UKMTO WARNING 013/DEC/2023

Category: Incident#MaritimeSecurity #marsec https://t.co/a6eYax4Zi0 pic.twitter.com/mTSPQo18Nw
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) December 18, 2023

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.

UKMTO WARNING 014/DEC/2023

Category: Incident #MaritimeSecurity #Marsec https://t.co/a6eYax4Zi0 pic.twitter.com/h7Fw2SGfPr
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) December 18, 2023

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."

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."

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."

"Israel's" dependence on Bab al-Mandab for transporting substantial volumes of diverse commodities, including grains and raw materials, is significant.

If Ansar Allah successfully and consistently prevents Israeli vessels from passing through the trade waterway and forces… pic.twitter.com/hwI2gndZ8w
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) December 13, 2023

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.