Yemen: Iranian Ship Loaded with a Missile and Drone Equipment Seized Near Bab al-Mandab

The joint security campaign in Lahij Governorate, southern Yemen, announced the seizure of an Iranian ship that was attempting to infiltrate through the territorial waters towards areas under the control of the Houthis, carrying advanced military equipment, including an anti-tank missile of the "Kornet" type, and precision spare parts for drones, in addition to Iranian-made medicines and foodstuffs.

According to a security source, the ship set sail from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, and is owned by one of the Houthi leaders, and it was intercepted after a precise monitoring operation of its movements near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

During the inspection, an empty secret storage was found, which is believed to have contained a shipment of weapons that was unloaded at sea, while the ship's crew of eight sailors was arrested.

The security operation comes as part of ongoing efforts to dry up the sources of maritime smuggling, as Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member Abdul Rahman al-Mahrami praised the efforts of the security forces in confronting attempts to smuggle weapons and contraband to the Houthis, confirming that these achievements reflect a high level of vigilance in protecting the Yemeni coasts, especially in the areas of Al-Mudharabah and Ras al-Arah.

This incident highlights the continued smuggling networks associated with the Houthi group, amid rising fears of the use of vital maritime routes to transport weapons, in light of increasing regional tensions.