Yemen’s Giants Brigades Seize Weapons-Making Equipment in Bab al-Mandab

Bab al-Mandab — The pro-government Giants Brigades announced Tuesday that their naval patrols intercepted a boat carrying specialized equipment intended for the Houthi movement in Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

In a statement, the Brigades’ media center said the vessel was stopped in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and found to be transporting “advanced materials and equipment used in manufacturing weapons.” The crew, described as smugglers linked to the Houthis, was detained following what the forces called a precise intelligence-led operation.

The statement added that relevant authorities are currently examining the seized cargo, with details of the confiscated items to be released once investigations and legal procedures are complete.

As of 19:30 GMT, the Houthis had not issued any comment on the Giants Brigades’ announcement.

The development comes amid a sharp escalation between Yemen’s internationally recognized government and the Houthis. 

On Monday, government forces said they struck the runway at Sana’a International Airport to prevent the landing of an Iranian aircraft, calling it a response to violations of national sovereignty. 

The plane later landed in Hodeidah, while the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of bombing Sana’a airport, declaring the end of de-escalation efforts.

The Houthis subsequently claimed responsibility for targeting Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport with ballistic missiles and drones. The Saudi-led coalition reported that its air defenses intercepted the attacks aimed at the kingdom’s southern region.