Daijiworld Media Network - Aden

Aden, Jul 16: In a significant operation, Yemeni authorities have intercepted a massive arms shipment in the Red Sea, seizing over 750 tonnes of advanced weaponry reportedly en route from Iran to Houthi forces.

Tariq Mohammed Saleh, a senior member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and commander of the National Resistance Forces, confirmed the seizure on social media platform X. The haul includes naval and aerial missile systems, air defence systems, drones, anti-armor missiles, sniper rifles, B-10 artillery, tracking lenses, radar systems, and wiretapping devices.

Saleh also shared a video showing the vast cache of weapons aboard the seized vessel, calling it proof of continued Iranian support to the Houthis—an accusation that Tehran has repeatedly denied.

The interception comes as the internationally recognised Yemeni government intensifies efforts to cut off the flow of foreign arms to the Houthi militia, which has controlled Sanaa and much of northern Yemen for over a decade.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Red Sea remain high following Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. Last week, the Liberia-flagged ship Eternity-C was struck, resulting in at least four crew deaths and several missing. The UK government condemned the strikes, calling them “unjustified” and a violation of international maritime law.

The Houthis, who claim the targeted ships were linked to Israel, have pledged to continue their blockade against Israeli-affiliated vessels in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In a televised address, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi reaffirmed his group's stance, declaring a continued “ban on navigation of the Israeli enemy” in Red Sea waters, raising concerns of further destabilisation in an already volatile region.