Western Indian Ocean - 22% decrease in aerial and waterborne drone attacks

Twenty-two percent decrease in incidents in 2022, but new attacks in Q4 in southern Yemen and Gulf of Oman. (Image: Risk Intelligence)

THE INSIGHT:

2022 figures breakdown – number of incidents:

Q1: 10
Q2: 0
Q3: 0
Q4: 4

From the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf through the Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman and including the Somali Basin, the main threats in 2022 were from regional conflicts (military/political) having maritime implications: primarily Yemen and Iran.

Yemen: Possible collateral damage to vessels from drone attacks against port/terminal facilities. After a suspension of attacks in the middle of the year, due to an agreed ceasefire, Houthi drone attacks resumed in October and November targeting southern Yemen. If the trend in Q4 continues, there could be fewer attacks at least in early 2023, but vessel operations could be affected in locations dependent on Houthi targeting choices.

Iran: The last direct attack on a vessel was in July 2021 and there was a gap of over 12 months before the PACIFIC ZIRCON attack on 15 November 2022. Further attacks are expected; the threat is higher for vessels linked to Israel and lower for other vessels. In the absence of an international deal over Iran’s nuclear programme, Iran’s regional relations will continue to affect maritime security.

Download all 2022 annual figures:

The 2022 annual maritime security incident figures are available for download as a complete slidedeck with full analyst insights and statistics in speaker notes. Fill in the form below to access you deck.