Aden — Yemeni government-aligned forces have announced the seizure of a 750-ton shipment of Iranian weapons allegedly destined for the Houthi rebel group, marking one of the largest interdictions in the region’s decade-long conflict.

The operation, led by Brigadier General Tariq Saleh, commander of the National Resistance Forces and member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, was carried out in the Red Sea following intelligence surveillance. 

The seized cargo reportedly includes naval and aerial missile systems, air defense equipment, modern radar systems, drones, anti-tank missiles, sniper rifles, and surveillance devices.

Saleh described the interception as a “direct blow” to Iran’s alleged support for the Houthis, accusing Tehran of attempting to destabilize Yemen and undermine its republican institutions. Iran has consistently denied supplying arms to the Houthis, despite repeated discoveries of Iranian-made weaponry in previous seizures.

This latest haul adds to a growing list of intercepted shipments, with Yemeni forces claiming to have blocked eight arms deliveries since early 2024. The Houthis, who have controlled Yemen’s capital Sanaa since 2014, have been involved in recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, escalating regional tensions.

The Yemeni military has released video footage showing the seized weapons, including anti-ship missiles and Type 358 anti-aircraft systems, similar to those used in previous Houthi drone and missile attacks.

International observers view the seizure as a significant development in curbing arms flow to the Houthis, amid ongoing efforts to stabilize Yemen and prevent further escalation in the region.