Yemeni Forces Ramp Up Interceptions of Houthi Boats in Red Sea

Yemen’s internationally recognized government reported a wave of naval interceptions against Houthi vessels over the weekend, as fighting between the two sides continues to escalate across multiple fronts. 

State-run Saba TV said armed forces destroyed a remotely operated Houthi explosive boat on Sunday before it could reach shipping targets in the Red Sea, though no further operational details were released. The Houthis did not respond to the claim. Hours earlier, government forces said they had intercepted a shipment carrying “Iranian-made drone components” allegedly headed for the group. 

On Monday, Yemen’s National Resistance Forces said they had intercepted four explosive-laden boats attempting to approach the strategic Hanish and Zuqar islands, which overlook key international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea, according to Saba news agency. Additional Houthi boat movements were detected at various times through Sunday and Monday near the same islands. 

Separately, the National Resistance said its naval units had seized a dhow carrying advanced drone components, including guidance systems, live-video transmission equipment and precision electronics for wireless communications. Arab News reported that several sailors aboard were detained, with investigators linking them to a smuggling network tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A Yemeni military expert told the outlet that Iran remains determined to arm the Houthis “through all available channels” to help the group threaten the Bab el Mandab Strait. 

The interceptions come amid a broader surge in violence. Since early August, the Houthis have launched drone and missile barrages on government-held Marib and the port city of Mokha, while government forces have hit back with intensified drone and artillery strikes on Houthi positions. Public funeral processions for dozens of Houthi fighters in recent weeks suggest mounting casualties.