Finance
UKMTO says it received a report of exchange of fire off Yemen's Aden port
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 17, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Summary
UKMTO reported an exchange of fire near Yemen's Aden port involving a vessel and skiff, raising maritime security concerns and impacting shipping routes.
UKMTO says it received a report of exchange of fire off Yemen's Aden port
Maritime Security Concerns in Yemen
Feb 17 (Reuters) - A UK maritime agency said on Tuesday that it received a report of an exchange of fire involving a vessel and a small boat around 70 nautical miles southwest of Yemen's port of Aden.
Details of the Incident
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said that a vessel was approached and hailed by a white skiff with five people on board, and this was followed by an exchange of small arms fire.
Impact on Shipping Routes
Two additional skiffs were also reported in the vicinity, and authorities were investigating, according to UKMTO.
Background on Houthi Attacks
Yemen's Houthi militants have launched numerous attacks on vessels in the Red Sea since 2023, saying they were acting in solidarity with Palestinians over Israel's war in Gaza. But the attacks have halted since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was brokered in October.
Some shipping companies remain wary of resuming voyages through those waters, however.
The attacks have disrupted trade flows through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, one of the world's busiest shipping routes.
Somali pirate gangs, who often used small, fast open boats known as skiffs, were once active in the area.
(Reporting by Ahmed Elimam, Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Key Takeaways
- •UKMTO reported an exchange of fire near Aden port.
- •A vessel was approached by a skiff with five people.
- •Two additional skiffs were reported in the area.
- •Houthi attacks have affected Red Sea trade routes.
- •Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has halted attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions about UKMTO says it received a report of exchange of fire off Yemen's Aden port
1What is maritime security?
Maritime security refers to the protection of vessels, ports, and cargo from threats such as piracy, terrorism, and other criminal activities at sea.
2What are shipping routes?
Shipping routes are designated paths used by vessels to transport goods across oceans and seas, crucial for global trade and commerce.
3What is trade disruption?
Trade disruption occurs when normal trading activities are interrupted, often due to conflicts, natural disasters, or security threats, affecting the flow of goods and services.