The Minister of Information announced the capture of a Houthi cell of 13 members along with weapons and explosives in Shabwa.

Minister of Information Confirms Successful Operation Against Houthi Cell in Shabwa

Minister of Information Muammar Al-Eryani announced that rapid intervention forces in Shabwa Governorate successfully apprehended a Houthi cell consisting of 13 members. The operation also seized a truck loaded with weapons and explosives, along with two containers inside a rented house used for receiving shipments of smuggled arms via the sea. This achievement marks a significant security success, highlighting the dangers posed by the Houthi militia’s arms smuggling networks and the threats these activities represent to Yemen’s security and the region.

Details of the Seizure

In a press statement, Al-Eryani detailed that the confiscated items included approximately 500 automatic weapons, sniper rifles, shells of 120 and 106 millimeters, modern high-explosive bombs, and munitions designed for use with drones. The operation followed meticulous efforts in monitoring, investigation, and coordination among relevant agencies.

National Efforts to Enhance Security

Al-Eryani emphasized that this accomplishment aligns with national efforts to bolster security and stability. It reflects the directives of His Excellency President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The focus remains on enhancing readiness, vigilance, and intelligence capabilities, tightening control over land and maritime borders, combating smuggling networks, and pursuing those involved. These actions aim to dry up funding and arms sources for terrorist militias, thereby strengthening state institutions’ ability to protect sovereignty and citizens’ security.

Threats from Smuggling Networks

The scale and nature of the seized items, including shells, bombs, and drone components, reveal the serious threat posed by smuggling networks that deliver weapons, explosives, and military technologies to the Houthi militia. Initial investigations indicated that these items were smuggled by sea along the coast of Radhum for the benefit of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia. Al-Eryani stressed that combating these networks represents a crucial front in safeguarding national and regional security.

Acknowledgment of Security Forces

Al-Eryani praised the significant security achievement led by the Governor of Shabwa, Sheikh Awad Bin Al-Wazir, who also chairs the security committee in the governorate. He commended the efforts of the rapid intervention forces and security and military agencies, highlighting their courage, vigilance, and high competence in monitoring and thwarting arms and explosives smuggling operations.

Resilience of Rapid Intervention Forces

Al-Eryani acknowledged the resilience of the rapid intervention forces, who continued to fulfill their national duty despite recent missile attacks targeting their colleagues at the training center. He affirmed that the ongoing achievements of these forces, despite substantial sacrifices, demonstrate their determination to protect the governorate and confront security threats, honoring the sacrifices of martyrs and the wounded.

Call for International Action

The Minister of Information renewed his call for the international community to move from condemnation to taking practical measures to halt the flow of arms to the Houthi militia. He urged for strict implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and enhanced cooperation with the Yemeni government in combating smuggling. He also emphasized the need to support the capabilities of its security and military institutions and coast guard in pursuing smuggling networks and their financiers. Protecting Yemen’s coastlines and eliminating arms smuggling routes directly relates to regional security and the safety of maritime routes and international trade.

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