Security Operation in Al-Sabihah Seizes Iranian Smuggling Vessel Carrying Materials Bound for Houthis

A joint security campaign in the Al-Sabihah and Ras Al-Arah districts of Lahj province foiled an attempted smuggling operation early Wednesday, October 22, 2025, intercepting an Iranian “Boom”-type vessel bound for Houthi-controlled areas. The ship was reportedly carrying food supplies and medicines, but a hidden compartment was later found containing an anti-tank missile and drone-related spare parts.

According to a senior security source involved in the operation, the seizure followed precise surveillance and tracking of the suspicious vessel as it tried to infiltrate Yemeni territorial waters. Eight individuals on board were detained, and the vessel along with its cargo was impounded for further legal procedures.

Initial investigations indicated that the ship had departed from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port and was linked to a senior Houthi commander, underscoring Tehran’s continued support for the group through specialized maritime smuggling networks.

A thorough inspection revealed an empty concealed storage area believed to have previously contained a weapons shipment offloaded at sea and transferred to smaller Houthi-operated boats.

Among the seized materials were a Kornet anti-tank missile, drone components including operational units, military-grade engines, and precision control cables.

The vessel also carried eight boxes of Iranian-manufactured medicine produced by CinnaGen, including Pectuna® Pertuzumab 420 mg / 14 mL—a cancer treatment drug—along with food and consumer goods from the Iranian brand Kahnoosh.

The source described the operation as a major blow to Iranian smuggling networks supplying the Houthis with weapons and equipment via sea routes, affirming that the joint security forces in Al-Sabihah will continue their mission to safeguard the coast, combat smuggling, and strengthen security and stability in the region.