ALBAWABA - The UK marine Trade Operations agency reported minor ship damage on Saturday after two marine strikes 64 nautical miles northwest of Al-Mokha, Yemen, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
First, a drone burst near the ship, inflicting minimal damage, according to the skipper. The second event was an unmanned boat explosion near the ship. The skipper said the ship and crew are well.
British marine security company Ambrey is investigating the incident 61 nautical miles west of Hodeidah. Reuters reported an inquiry into another incident 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden.
The Houthi organization says that targeted boats are Israeli, American, or British or breaking Israeli port navigation prohibitions.
This follows the Houthi allegation of a missile and drone hit on the cargo ship "Lopivia" in the Gulf of Aden on Friday. The Houthis said the ship's owner breached Israeli port access restrictions. No ship ownership information was supplied.
This marine strike coincided with a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv that killed one and injured four. Houthi targeting has improved, as proven by the sinking of the Greek-owned coal transport "Totor" in June.
Gerald Feierstein of the Middle East Institute underlined the Houthis' increased access to modern weapons throughout the battle.
