Jerusalem Post/Middle EastThere was an exchange of fire between the small craft and the vessel's armed security team, and the craft then turned away, UKMTO added.Follow us on Google Ship and tug boats are seen at the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Yemen February 1, 2017.(photo credit: REUTERS/ABDULJABBAR ZEYAD)ByREUTERS, MAARIVJUNE 10, 2026 09:22Updated: JUNE 10, 2026 09:31A cargo vessel reported being approached by a small craft carrying six armed people about 88 nautical miles southwest of Yemen's Balhaf on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said.There was an exchange of fire between the small craft and the vessel's armed security team, and the craft then turned away, UKMTO added.Houthis threaten maritime navigation in Red SeaOn Monday, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said that they would ban Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea.HOUTHI SUPPORTERS hold up weapons as they demonstrate in Sanaa, Yemen, to show solidarity with Lebanon, after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect, April 17, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/KHALED ABDULLAH)The military spokesperson for the Houthis, Yahya Saree, announced that a ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea is now in effect, and that any Israeli target will be attacked. He further warned that "escalation will be met with escalation, and our operations will intensify in accordance with developments."The statement, which came after rocket attacks from the region, took credit for strikes on central Israel, with Saree saying that "under the principle of the 'Unity of the Fronts' and in response to Israeli aggression against Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza, our forces launched a missile barrage at sensitive targets in 'occupied Jaffa'."Earlier on Monday, the Houthis fired rockets at central Israel. No injuries were reported.Follow us on Google