Yemen: 13-Member Houthi Cell Arrested in Shabwa, Large Shipment of Smuggled Weapons Seized

Yemeni authorities announced the arrest of a 13-member Houthi cell and the seizure of a large shipment of weapons, explosives, and drone components smuggled by sea through the coast of Rudum district in Shabwa governorate, southeastern Yemen.

According to official statements, Shabwa’s Rapid Intervention Forces carried out a security operation that resulted in the seizure of a truck loaded with weapons and explosives, along with two shipping containers stored inside a rented house used to receive smuggled arms shipments.

The seized weapons included approximately 500 assault rifles, sniper rifles, 120mm and 106mm projectiles, high-explosive devices, drone-deployed bombs and munitions, and components used in the assembly and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Preliminary investigations indicated that the shipment had been smuggled by sea for the Houthis. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Shabwa Governor Awad Mohammed bin al-Wazir, in coordination with the relevant security agencies.

The seizure comes days after three ballistic missiles struck a security training facility in the Al-Alam area of Jardan district on October 19, killing and injuring dozens of security recruits. Yemeni government officials accused the Houthis of carrying out the attack.

The Yemeni government called on the international community to strengthen measures to prevent arms smuggling to the Houthis and enhance the capabilities of Yemen’s Coast Guard and security agencies, warning that illicit weapons supply networks pose a threat to regional security and international maritime navigation.