Shipping is advised by EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA to travel at least 150 nautical miles east of the current traffic path in order to avoid the risk of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assault.

A UAV targeted the MSC Orion as it travelled northward across the Indian Ocean to Salalah, Oman, southeast of Socotra Island.

“This attack validates the possibility of possible attacks occurring in the Indian Ocean up to 800 nautical miles away from the Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen,” the EU ATALANTA stated.

“It is recommended to construct an alternative sea route no less than 150 nautical miles east of the current commerce routes in light of this attack, the assessed UAV range, and the most recent public statements.”

A more stringent AIS policy as well as arbitrary course and speed changes were advised for vessels.

Ships sailing in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, particularly those operating within 700 nautical miles of the Somali coast, should follow the BMP5 recommendations and report any events, according to EU ATALANTA.

The Houthi are expanding their attacks against commercial shipping, and in response, allied naval troops in the vicinity are being pushed farther and farther apart.

Regarding the range of their armaments, the Houthi have also vowed to attack ships in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea that call at Israeli ports.