Two unmanned aerial vehicles were detected in the Gulf of Aden near a civilian vessel traversing off the coast of Djibouti, a small nation on the eastern edge of Africa. The report comes from UKMTO, the British Navy’s Merchant Marine Operations Office, as cited by RIA News. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in a busy maritime corridor used by global shipping and humanitarian convoys through the Bab al-Mandab strait.
The ship’s captain reported that the two drones orbited the vessel several times, maintaining a distance of about 50 meters. This proximity raised concerns about potential surveillance, disruption, or misdirection of navigation, especially given the dense traffic and precarious operating environment near Djibouti and the route through the Gulf of Aden. The crew did not observe any direct contact with the drones, but the repeated circling created an unsettling situation that warranted careful monitoring and swift communication with authorities on the bridge.
In response to the event, the British Ministry advised commercial crews operating in the area to maintain heightened vigilance. Crews were urged to report any suspicious unmanned vehicle activity immediately and to follow established security protocols for potential drone incursions or aerial threats near ships at sea. The guidance reflects a broader, ongoing emphasis on safeguarding civilian vessels from aerial reconnaissance or interference, especially in corridors where commercial fleets, humanitarian missions, and regional security operations intersect.
Yahya Saria, who has previously appeared as the official spokesperson for the Ansar Allah faction, commented on related regional tensions. He attributed alleged assaults on vessels such as the Swan Atlantic tanker and the Clara container ship to groups linked to Israel. The remarks appear in the context of a long-running, multifaceted conflict involving Yemen’s Houthis and several international actors, with competing narratives about responsibility and causation for maritime incidents.
Meanwhile, defenses and maritime security posture in the region have shifted in response to recent attacks attributed to various actors. The Pentagon has deployed carrier strike groups to the Gulf of Aden as a precautionary measure following assaults on ships in the Red Sea. This movement underscores the sensitivity of maritime routes feeding into international supply lines amid evolving regional dynamics.
Observers note that statements from figures associated with different factions in the region often reflect broader strategic objectives rather than verifiable, independent assessments. Analysts caution readers to distinguish between rhetoric and corroborated evidence while recognizing the humanitarian and commercial stakes involved for shipping, insurers, ports, and coastal communities. The situation in the Gulf of Aden remains fluid, with naval forces maintaining a visible presence and ongoing coordination with commercial operators to mitigate risk and ensure safe passage for vessels traveling through one of the world’s most watched maritime chokepoints.