Armed men fire at LNG tanker off Yemen, UK maritime agency reports

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported today that it had received a report of a security incident targeting a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker 140 nautical miles southeast of Mukalla, eastern Yemen.

According to a warning issued by the agency, a small boat carrying seven people approached the tanker and fired two shots at it. The armed security team on board the tanker responded with two warning shots, prompting the boat to change course.

The agency urged vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity, noting that relevant authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.

Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, commander of the EU naval force "EUNAVFOR Aspides," said that commercial navigation in the Red Sea "remains challenging and volatile" amid escalating threats from Houthi militias, calling on ships to "maintain a high level of vigilance."

Gryparis stressed, according to Al Arabiya, a few days ago that "the operation continues to closely monitor developments and remains committed to its defensive mission to protect commercial vessels and seafarers and ensure freedom of navigation in accordance with international law."

He added: "We strongly urge commercial vessels operating in the area to remain vigilant, conduct proper risk assessments, follow the latest maritime security guidance, and implement established best management practices."

Gryparis revealed a significant increase in requests for protection and support received by the mission from commercial vessels following a surge in Houthi activity since last July, noting that the operation received 239 support requests from commercial ships in September 2026 alone.