United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations today reported two separate security incidents in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden transit corridor, both of which bear the hallmarks of Somali Puntland pirate activity.

In the first incident, a container vessel operating about 14 nautical miles off the Yemeni coast reported being approached by a small skiff. The occupants opened fire on the vessel and attempted to board it before the incident was reported to authorities.

In the second incident, a tanker approximately 111 nautical miles southeast of Aden reported being approached by a small skiff carrying four armed individuals. The attackers opened fire on the vessel using small arms and an RPG. Authorities are currently investigating both attacks.

With pirate activity appearing to resurface along one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, it raises serious concerns about security for commercial shipping in the region.

At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Houthis in Yemen eventually start offering “safety and security services” to tankers and merchant ships transiting the area, for a fee.