Drone strike damages ship off Yemen

A commercial vessel was attacked twice by drones off the coast of Yemen on Saturday but proceeded with its voyage despite sustaining damage, a British maritime security agency said.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, run by the British navy, said the attack happened 64 nautical miles northwest of Mokha, Yemen, near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The vessel was first hit by an uncrewed aerial system that exploded close by, causing minor damage, UKMTO said

The second attack involved an uncrewed surface vessel that also exploded nearby, it said, adding both the crew and vessel were safe.

The vessel later reported a missile “splashing in close proximity,” which appears to have been a failed missile strike, said UKMTO.

The agency did not identify the vessel or say who was behind the attacks.

Yemen’s Houthis have launched dozens of drone and missile strikes against Israel-linked shipping since November in a campaign they say is intended to signal solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza war.