UAE
UAE-Owned Oil Tanker Reported Hijacked Off Yemen Coast Amid Rising Maritime Tension
An oil tanker owned by a UAE entity was reportedly seized in the Gulf of Aden, raising fresh security concerns for regional energy corridors.
Reports emerged on Friday indicating that a UAE-owned oil tanker has been seized off the coast of Yemen. The incident occurred in the volatile waters of the Gulf of Aden, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments and maritime trade. Early intelligence suggests the vessel was intercepted by armed groups, though the identity of the captors remains unconfirmed. Maritime Security Alerts Raised Maritime security agencies and regional monitoring groups first flagged the vessel's deviation from its planned course. The tanker, which operates under the UAE flag or is owned by an Emirati entity, was reportedly boarded while transiting near the southern Yemeni coastline. Security firms specializing in Middle Eastern waters are currently assessing whether the seizure was conducted by Houthis or pirate cells active in the region. This development follows a period of heightened tensions in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways. Since late 2023, commercial shipping has faced persistent threats from drone strikes, missile attacks, and boarding operations. The Gulf of Aden serves as the primary gateway to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, through which approximately 12% of total seaborne-traded…