Tanker targeted in Gulf of Aden: Armed men storm vessel Asana as Yemen’s Houthis bat for Iran

A chemical tanker, Asana, is believed to have been hijacked by armed assailants while transiting the Gulf of Aden on Friday, triggering a maritime security alert and renewed concerns over shipping safety in the region.

According to Reuters, citing maritime security sources, the attackers seized control of the vessel, prompting the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) to issue a warning to ships operating in the area.

Hijacking reported off Yemen's coast

The incident occurred about 65 nautical miles south of Yemen's Al Mukalla port, where the tanker was reportedly boarded by unauthorised personnel while sailing east through the Gulf of Aden, UKMTO said.

Ship-tracking data showed that the vessel, whose flag has not been confirmed, was en route to the Somali port of Bosaso when the incident took place.

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Piracy suspected, not Houthi attack

Maritime security sources told Reuters that initial assessments suggest the hijacking was likely an act of Somali piracy rather than an attack by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The assailants are believed to have taken control of the vessel, although the exact number of attackers and the condition of the crew remain unclear.

British maritime risk management firm Vanguard said details surrounding the boarding and the status of those onboard were still being verified.

Distress call issued, naval response underway

British maritime security firm Ambrey said the tanker issued a distress call at around 0620 GMT and was not carrying an armed security team when it was boarded.

The firm added that the attackers were suspected to be part of a pirate action group.

Meanwhile, an official with Greek maritime security company Diaplous said a South Korean warship had been dispatched to the area in response to the incident.

Maritime tensions remain high

Shipping databases identified the vessel's operator as Marshall Islands-based Exon Energy, which could not immediately be reached for comment.

The reported hijacking comes amid heightened security concerns across the region. The Gulf of Aden and nearby Red Sea have remained under close watch as regional tensions escalate. Earlier this week, Reuters reported that Iran had asked Yemen's Houthi rebels to be prepared to close the Red Sea shipping route if the United States targeted Iranian infrastructure, raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies and maritime trade.