In a heightened security incident, the GENCO Picardy, a bulker with American ties, faced an aerial drone strike on its port side in the Gulf of Aden. The vessel, owned by a New York-based entity, successfully managed to extinguish the resulting fire, ensuring the safety of its crew. Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, marking multiple assaults on shipping in the region since November. U.S. Central Command confirmed the drone strike originating from Yemeni territory. Security advisories urge caution, with major operators opting for alternative routes, bypassing Bab el-Mandeb due to escalating maritime threats.