Warning shots were fired by an Armed Security Team (AST) aboard a tanker vessel early Monday, 13 July 2026, in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen’s coast, according to a bulletin from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred after six small, fast-moving vessels approached the tanker in a potentially threatening manner.
Six Vessels Close In Near Strategic Waterway
The tanker’s master reported the encounter while transiting eastward through the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) — a designated shipping lane in the Gulf of Aden. The vessels closed in from the starboard side, with one coming within five nautical miles before the AST opened warning fire. The remaining five stayed at a distance of approximately one nautical mile.
Concerns Over Iranian Involvement
According to UKMTO, the incident took place roughly 50 nautical miles south of the Gulf of Aden — an area where maritime authorities suspect involvement by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While no official attribution has been confirmed, analysts note that similar incidents have involved IRGC-linked fast boats operating near key chokepoints, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Aden.
Escalating Tensions Over Sea Lanes
This latest development comes amid ongoing tit-for-tat actions between the United States and Iran in contested waters. Reports suggest Tehran has recently imposed its own de facto navigation guidelines for commercial vessels passing through the region — a move widely viewed as an attempt to assert influence over critical maritime routes. Ships reportedly not adhering to these unofficial directives may be subject to increased scrutiny or harassment.
UKMTO confirmed it is investigating the incident and urged all vessels to exercise heightened vigilance when transiting the area. Mariners are advised to report any suspicious activity immediately to regional maritime security centers.