An MV was attacked approximately 35nm SW of Nitshtun. Initial indications are that the vessel may have had it’s AIS turned off and it remains unclear which vessel was involved in this incident.
The incident has now been ended and vessel and crew are reportedly safe, says Dryad.
This is the 4th attack within the Eastern Gulf of Aden with 2020 and the 4th attack within the Indian Ocean in 2020. While are still unclear, analysis of previous incident data suggests a number of incidents occurring in the vicinity of the Eastern gulf of Aden that are likely connected to the war in Yemen.
This far two previous attacks occurring 97nm and 208nm SW from this location have represented the only two significant compromises to vessel and crew safety within the Gulf of Aden in 2020.
The port of Nishtun has long been a key Saudi asset, both in the Yemeni Civil War, and long-term geoeconomic interests, according to Dryad. The Saudi-led Arab Coalition continues to operate out of Nishtun, with naval assets often docking for operations in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
An important mid-point between the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, Nishtun has been considered an end-point for oil pipelines running for Saudi Arabia and through inland Yemen.
It is likely that as the Yemeni Civil War progresses, Nishtun will continue to be a target of attacks by Houthi militia networks
