Maritime security incident near the island of Socotra, Yemen

Maritime security incident near the island of Socotra, Yemen

On May 23, 2026, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a security incident in shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea, approximately 200 nautical miles (about 370 km) west of the island of Socotra, Yemen.

According to an update from the Telegram channel اخبارفوری, which is known for aggressive coverage of security events in the Middle East, an oil tanker reported that a small vessel carrying five armed men approached it to a distance of about 100 meters. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed that following the deployment of the armed security team on board the tanker, the attacking vessel changed its course and moved away from the area.

Reports of the incident were circulated across numerous media networks, including the channel اخبارفوری خبرفوری جنگ امریکا فوری and کانال اخبار سپاه پاسداران, sources frequently linked to narratives of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps reporting on maritime tensions in the region. As of now, no damage to the vessel or injuries to the tanker's crew have been reported.