The British Navy reported boats approaching a merchant ship near Yemen.

The UK Navy’s Maritime Trade Operations Office (UKMTO) said it had received information that six boats were approaching a merchant ship in waters southeast of the Yemeni port of Mocha.

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“The agency received a report of six boats approaching a merchant vessel within one nautical mile, approximately 50 nautical miles southeast of Mocha, Yemen. No weapons were observed and coalition forces are assisting,” the agency said in a statement.

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It is noted that authorities are conducting an investigation. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.

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Earlier, the Ansar Allah movement, which controls much of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, warned of its intention to attack ships linked to Israel or heading to its ports and called on other countries to recall their crews and not approach them at sea. The United States announced that in response to the increasing attacks by the Houthis, along with ten other countries, it would launch an operation to protect shipping in the Red Sea. In response to this, Ansar Allah warned that they reserve the right to attack ships of countries participating in the joint coalition with the United States.