Yemen’s government announced on 20 August 2026 the creation of a National Maritime Security Committee to protect coasts, ports and commercial navigation across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb, Transport Minister Mohsen Haidara Al-Omari said, according to state reporting.
The move follows fatal Houthi attacks on shipping and port infrastructure — including the Tihamah strike and Al-Mokha port closure after more than 25 missile impacts — and comes the same day UKMTO confirmed the Gulf of Aden hijacking of tanker Sibu 1. The committee’s stated remit includes securing ships and navigation and updating maritime legislation as dual kinetic and piracy threats compress Yemen’s coastal operating space.
What Operators Should Note
- Expect new reporting, escort or clearance procedures once the committee issues implementing rules.
- Keep Al-Mokha and other west-coast Yemen ports off commercial schedules until verified reopening.
- Coordinate CSO plans with both Houthi missile risk and Somali piracy BMP measures.
- Watch for port-state and insurer circulars referencing the new committee’s authority.
RegulAs Shipping will report the committee’s first operational directives when published.
