Yemeni security forces have intercepted a vessel off the coast of Ras Al-Ara in Lahj Governorate carrying advanced drone equipment and military supplies destined for the Iran‑backed Houthis.

The operation, led by Brigadier General Hamdi Shukri, commander of the Second Giants Brigade, took place along the coasts of Al-Mudharibah and Ras Al-Ara.

The vessel was seized and three individuals suspected of involvement in smuggling were arrested. Security forces coordinated with the Specialised Criminal Prosecution, which oversaw the seizure and secured the confiscated materials.

The intercepted shipment included a range of sensitive equipment related to unmanned aerial systems.

Among the items were high‑resolution cameras designed for day‑and‑night reconnaissance, wireless communication devices, remote control tools, GPS trackers, GPS system cards, integrated navigation systems, electronic flight controllers, high‑capacity power batteries, advanced electronic chips, precision electrical converters, mechanical components, and carbon fibre materials used in drone manufacturing and guidance systems.

شاهد بالفيديو الحملة الأمنية المشتركة برأس العارة تضبط قاربًا يحمل معدات طائرات مسيرة، وأجهزة مراقبة وتجسس حوثية في رأس العارة قرب باب المندب pic.twitter.com/rtX7tj4YKd

— المركز الإعلامي ل ألوية العمالقة الجنوبية (@alamalikah) October 5, 2025

This is reportedly the third major interception of its kind in recent weeks. Previous operations have uncovered similar shipments containing espionage devices, drones, and more than 700 tonnes of advanced weaponry, believed to be linked to Iranian smuggling networks in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

The Houthis have carried out more than 220 attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over the past two years. While the group claims these operations are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, Yemeni officials have dismissed this explanation, stating the attacks advance Iran’s regional agenda and aim to pressure the international community.

A senior Yemeni official, serving as a member of the Presidential Leadership Council and Vice President of the Southern Transitional Council, described the recent Lahj operation as an important success.

He emphasised the need to intensify security efforts to disrupt Houthi smuggling activities and intercept all shipments intended to support their military operations.

Yemeni Information Minister Moammar al‑Eryani urged the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other international partners to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organisation and to support Yemen’s legitimate government in safeguarding its territorial waters.

Reference: Southern Giants Brigades Media Center

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