Yemeni forces seized a vessel off the coast of Aden filled with drone components and military gear destined for the Houthis, London-based Arab media site Asharq Al-Aswat reported on Tuesday. The shipment had allegedly originated from Iran.

Three smugglers were aboard the vessel and have since been arrested.

The shipment reportedly included advanced military gear, drone parts, surveillance equipment, advanced electronic chips, high-accuracy cameras that are fitted on drones for night and day surveillance, communication devices, remote controls, high-capacity batteries, and carbon fibers used in drone manufacturing.

(Illustrative) A Houthi drone fired from Yemen that was intercepted by the military on May 5, 2025 - file photo.
(Illustrative) A Houthi drone fired from Yemen that was intercepted by the military on May 5, 2025 - file photo. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Houthi attacks on Israel

The site reported that this was the third smuggling attempt thwarted in recent weeks.

The Houthis have regularly launched drone attacks against Israel and international shipping companies since the war against Hamas started. The Iran-backed terror group alleges its actions are in support of Palestinians.