Tanker hijacked in Gulf of Aden and diverted toward Somalia

A tanker has been hijacked by armed individuals in the Gulf of Aden and is reportedly being diverted toward Somalia. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the incident occurred approximately 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen.

According to reports, six armed men boarded the vessel after it was approached by an unauthorized ship while traveling west. The identities and motives of the attackers remain unknown, and there is currently no confirmation regarding the safety of the crew or the vessel.

The hijacking has heightened concerns regarding security on this critical international shipping route, which connects the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Following the reports, Brent crude oil prices rose above $91 per barrel.