Djibouti Coast Guard Intercepts Migrant Smuggling Vessel Near Obock

Djibouti, April 12, 2026 - The Djiboutian Coast Guard has intercepted a vessel carrying undocumented migrants and armed smugglers off the coast of Obock, near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb maritime corridor. According to security authorities, the operation was carried out during reinforced maritime surveillance activities around the Seven Brothers Islands, a key transit zone at the entrance to the Red Sea. A patrol unit based in Khor Angar detected and intercepted the vessel as it attempted to enter Djiboutian territorial waters near Assa Fod, after reportedly departing from the Yemeni coast. Nine undocumented migrants were taken into custody during the operation. Authorities stated that the vessel also carried armed smugglers in possession of an AK-47 assault rifle and two loaded magazines, allegedly intended to facilitate an illegal landing along the Obock coastline. The Coast Guard has opened an investigation through its Criminal Investigation Brigade to determine the circumstances of the operation and to assess possible links to transnational smuggling networks operating between Yemen and Djibouti. The individuals apprehended are expected to be referred to judicial authorities in the coming days as investigations continue.