Aden (Yemen), August 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A tanker sailing in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen’s southern coast reported hearing a loud explosion near the vessel, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Wednesday, amid renewed maritime tensions in the region.
The incident took place around 95 nautical miles southeast of Aden, according to a UKMTO update on social media platform X.
“The Master of a tanker reported hearing a loud explosion in close proximity to the vessel,” UKMTO said, adding that all crew members were safe.
Residents in Mukayras, a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen’s central al-Bayda province, told Xinhua news agency that they had received information suggesting the Houthis launched a missile from the area towards the Gulf of Aden.
However, it remained unclear whether the reported missile launch and the tanker incident were linked. The Houthis had not immediately claimed responsibility for the incident.
The development comes amid rising tensions involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Earlier on Monday, a cargo vessel reported being struck by an unidentified projectile off Oman’s coast.
According to a UKMTO advisory, the incident occurred about 20 nautical miles northeast of Al Khasab, near the eastern entrance of the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel informed authorities through VHF radio that it had been hit by an unknown projectile.
UKMTO advised ships operating in the area to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity.
The latest incident follows the Houthis’ announcement on July 20 of a maritime ban on Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea, citing what the group described as a Saudi blockade of Houthi-controlled areas.
The group has also claimed several attacks targeting Saudi-linked vessels, energy facilities and airports, while the Saudi-led coalition has resumed airstrikes against key Houthi military positions in Yemen.
Yemen has remained embroiled in conflict since late 2014, when the Houthis captured large parts of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 in support of the internationally recognised Yemeni government.
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