Armed pirates have seized an oil tanker off Yemen, according to maritime officials and security sources. A vessel was boarded by unauthorized personnel in the Gulf of Aden while transiting east, and initial reports said the ship was being steered toward Somalia’s coast. Authorities said the incident follows a recent uptick in piracy activity in the region, which has seen more hijackings after quieter years. Investigations continue as naval and maritime agencies work to locate the tanker and protect the crew.