Yemen’s pro-government forces announced Tuesday that they had intercepted a vessel in the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait, seizing a shipment of equipment allegedly intended for the production of drones and explosive boats.
According to a statement issued by the Giants Brigades, the vessel was intercepted while sailing toward Yemen’s western coast in Al Hudaydah province, where key ports remain under the control of the Houthi group.
The forces said three sailors aboard the vessel were detained for questioning after being suspected of links to the Houthis.
Authorities reported that the cargo included equipment believed to support the manufacture and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles, including hydraulic drilling machinery, electronic servers, microchips, GPS navigation devices, engines, and components allegedly intended for the construction of explosive-laden boats.
The Houthis had not commented on the seizure at the time of publication.
The interception comes amid continuing accusations by the United States that Iran supplies weapons and military technology to the Houthi movement, allegations that Tehran has consistently denied.
Although a UN-brokered truce significantly reduced large-scale fighting after April 2022, Yemen remains divided between government forces and the Houthis. Sporadic clashes continue in several regions despite the broader military stalemate and ongoing political tensions.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait remains one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, making security operations in the area closely watched by regional and international powers.
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