Ankara: An unidentified projectile landed near a tanker in the southern Red Sea, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center reported. The vessel and its crew remained safe.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UKMTO stated that the tanker reported observing 'a splash from an unknown projectile in close proximity to the vessel.' There were no reports of injuries or damage, and the environmental impact of the incident remains unconfirmed.

The UKMTO has advised vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity as investigations continue. This incident comes amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen. The Houthis recently threatened to ban Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The Houthis announced a ban on maritime navigation to Saudi Arabia, leading the Saudi-led coalition to promise a 'firm and forceful' response and initiate measures to protect vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait.