Houthi Rebels Carry Out Series of Bomb-Boat Attacks off Mokha #marsec #terrorism

UAE media outlets report that the rebels attempted another boat attack near the port on Saturday morning. Colonel Turki al Maliki told The National that "the coalition forces detected the boat three miles off the port, while it was sailing at 39 knots." Saudi coalition members reportedly intercepted the vessel; Saba acknowledged the attack but did not provide details.

On Wednesday, a third boat filled with explosives attempted to attack a military vessel belonging to the United Arab Emirates, but was destroyed before it could reach the ship, according to an account carried by Al Arabiya.

Saudi coalition forces have been on guard in the port of Mokha after a recent series of attacks by remote-controlled, bomb-laden boats operated by Houthi rebels. The Houthi forces have had success with this tactic before: in January, they damaged the Saudi frigate Al-Madinah with a remote-controlled boat, and they nearly struck a petroleum product terminal at Jazan, Saudi Arabia in April.

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats testified in May that the U.S. believes that Iran is supplying the technology for the Houthi remote-controlled boats. Tehran does not admit to providing material support for the Houthi cause, but it is widely believed to be funneling arms and funding to the rebel forces.

Maritime Executive - Read full report here