Yemeni security forces have arrested two Iranian nationals suspected of smuggling weapons and illicit materials for the Tehran-backed Houthi militia. The arrests took place in the eastern province of Al-Mahra as the two attempted to enter the country illegally by sea.
The Yemeni Minister of Interior, Major General Ibrahim Haidan, commended the high preparedness of security forces in Al-Mahra following the operation. In a phone call with Al-Mahra’s police chief, Brigadier General Mufti Suhail Samoudah, he praised the efforts in thwarting activities that threaten Yemen’s stability and security.
According to initial investigations, the Iranian detainees confessed to working on behalf of the Houthis and admitted to transporting prohibited shipments through Djibouti to the port of Mocha in Taiz province. Authorities stated that the smuggling operation was part of a broader network managed by the Houthis with direct financial and logistical support from Iran.
Minister Haidan emphasized the need to enhance maritime surveillance and tighten inspection measures to combat smuggling and prevent further threats to national security.
Khamenei says #Iran regime will continue to back Houthi terrorists in #Yemen
The Iranian regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei pledged on Tuesday his regime's continued support for Yemen’s terrorist Houthi militia, state television reported.https://t.co/gIEwgexKEa pic.twitter.com/UNqcMo9Lm8— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) August 15, 2019
In related developments, Yemeni authorities in Abyan province arrested a Houthi-affiliated cell composed of five individuals, identified only by their initials, in the Sabih district. Additionally, security forces in Hadhramaut’s Wadi and Desert region dismantled another Houthi cell that was reportedly planning destabilizing operations.
International reports have consistently documented the Iranian regime’s role in bolstering Houthi capabilities. The United Nations Security Council’s expert reports indicate that the regime in Iran has been providing the Houthis with advanced weaponry, including ballistic missiles and drones, as well as military training and advisory support from Iranian experts. The Iranian government also extends financial and media assistance to the Houthis, further strengthening their hold on territories under their control.
The international community has repeatedly condemned the regime’s involvement in Yemen, citing its role in prolonging the conflict and exacerbating regional instability. The recent arrests in Yemen provide further evidence of Iran’s continued operations in support of the Houthis, fueling tensions in the region.
As the legal proceedings against the arrested Iranian smugglers continue, Yemeni authorities reaffirmed their commitment to countering illicit networks and external interference that threaten national security. The detained individuals will be handed over to relevant authorities following the completion of investigations.