Armed Small Craft Sighted, Bab-el-Mandeb
Issued: 13 hours ago
| Date | Reference | Region | Category | Aggressors | Source |
| 2026-07-21 06:49:00 | CW Alert 021- (Jul 26) | Indian Ocean | Suspicious activity | Military | CLOSED SOURCE/MSCIO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| It has been reported that two small craft have been sighted with mounted heavy guns drifting near the Maritime Security Transit Corridor (MSTC), Bab al-Mandab (exact location not specified). UPDATE: MSCIO have received reports of further suspicious activity between 06:03 UTC and 06:40 UTC on 21 July 2026 in the Bab el Mandeb and Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor. A merchant vessel reported a suspected approach by one skiff with six persons onboard at position 12°03'N 044°57'E, with ammunition reportedly visible. The vessel increased speed and the skiff followed for approximately five minutes before departing the area. At 06:36 UTC, the same vessel also reported one small craft with eight armed persons wearing military uniforms passing within 0.7 nautical miles at position 12°05'N 044°50'E, without making an approach. Separately, at 06:40 UTC, another merchant vessel reported two armed speedboats, each carrying three persons with heavy weapons onboard, at position 12°33'N 043°29'E, near the entrance to the Bab el Mandeb. The vessel increased speed and altered course to pass clear. Vessels operating in the area are strongly advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to MSCIO and UKMTO. | |||||