Ras Al Khaimah:Several ships near Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates were instructed by radio to vacate their anchorages on Saturday evening, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
According to Anadolu Agency, UKMTO received reports from multiple ship captains in the area who confirmed they were directed via very high frequency (VHF) radio broadcast to move from their anchorages. The agency has labeled the incident as "suspicious activity" and stated that authorities are currently investigating the matter.
UKMTO urged vessels in the vicinity to report any further suspicious activity. However, the agency did not disclose who issued the instructions or whether the vessels complied. No attacks or damage to ships were reported in relation to this incident.
This advisory comes against the backdrop of increased maritime tensions and a series of security incidents around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf. The strategic waterway has been a focal point in negotiations between Washington and Tehran over the control and management of maritime traffic.
In February, the US and Israel engaged in a conflict with Iran, leading to retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israeli and US targets in the region until a ceasefire was reached in April. June saw Washington and Tehran signing a memorandum of understanding on navigation freedom through the Strait of Hormuz, although disagreements over maritime security have stalled its implementation.