Suspicious Small Craft Activity Reported Near Gulf of Aden

On February 17, a merchant vessel reported an encounter with three small boats roughly 70 nautical miles southwest of Aden, Yemen.

One of the craft, described as a white skiff carrying five individuals, approached the merchant ship, while two other skiffs were seen operating nearby. Early information suggested that small arms fire may have occurred.

The incident was reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which later clarified that the gunfire was intended as warning shots and that no weapons were aimed at either vessel. Based on this assessment, the event has been classified as suspicious activity.

Authorities continue to look into the circumstances surrounding the encounter and have urged ships transiting the area to maintain heightened awareness and to report any unusual or concerning activity without delay.