Red Sea — Yemen’s National Resistance Forces announced the successful interception of a large Iranian weapons shipment destined for the Houthi militia, marking one of the most significant seizures in the country’s recent history.

According to Brigadier General Tareq Mohammed Abdullah Saleh, commander of the National Resistance and member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, the operation was carried out in the Red Sea following precise intelligence tracking. The seized cargo, totaling over 750 tons, included advanced missile systems, combat drones, radar and surveillance equipment, and communication devices.

Details of the Seized Shipment

- Cruise, anti-ship, and anti-aircraft missiles

- Iranian Ghaem-118 air defense systems

- Noor-Qadir naval cruise missiles, rebranded by Houthis as “Mandeb-1”

- Drone engines and signal interception devices

- High-precision sniper rifles and recoilless rifles

- Manuals written in Farsi, confirming Iranian origin

Many of the weapons matched models previously showcased by the Houthis as “locally manufactured,” debunking years of propaganda about a domestic arms industry.

Strategic Implications

General Saleh emphasized that the seizure dealt a major blow to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard operations in Yemen, stating:

“This operation reaffirms our commitment to countering Iranian expansion and protecting Yemen’s sovereignty. Long live the Republic of Yemen.”

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) praised the operation, calling it the largest interdiction of Iranian conventional weapons in Yemen’s history. CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla noted:
“Iran remains the most destabilizing actor in the region. Halting its support to the Houthis is vital for regional security and freedom of navigation.”

International Response

The seizure aligns with UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting arms transfers to the Houthis. It also underscores growing international concern over Iran’s role in fueling conflict across the region.