Aden (South24 Center)

Security Belt Forces in the Southern capital Aden have seized a large consignment of advanced military equipment hidden aboard a commercial vessel transiting from Djibouti, in what appears to be a smuggling operation destined for the Iran-backed Houthi militia.

According to a security statement issued Tuesday, August 5, the shipment contained surveillance systems, guidance components, drone manufacturing parts, and sensitive electronic equipment. The discovery occurred during routine customs inspections at the port.

A security official, speaking anonymously to ‘South24’, revealed: Customs authorities were the first to detect and confiscate the concealed shipment within a container.

The official noted the vessel was on a transit voyage originating from Djibouti's port. The operation was conducted in coordination with a presidential committee and specialized security agencies.

At a later time, the Counter-Terrorism Unit in Aden stated that the seizure operation was carried out following precise intelligence indicating the presence of suspicious containers aboard a vessel arriving from China, originally bound for the port of Hodeidah. In a statement issued Wednesday evening, the Unit explained that the ship had diverted its course to the port of Aden due to recent airstrikes targeting Hodeidah.

The statement added that inspection results confirmed Hodeidah port is being used as a systematic smuggling corridor in favor of the Houthi militia, as part of an organized network for bringing in advanced weapons and equipment.

The Counter-Terrorism Unit also announced it would submit a detailed report, supported by evidence, to the United Nations Security Council Sanctions Committee on the matter.

This marks the latest in a series of similar interceptions by Southern forces. In early August, Security Belt Forces thwarted an ammunition smuggling attempt headed for Abyan governorate.

Separately, Giants Brigade units in late July intercepted an arms-laden boat off Ras Al-Ara coast carrying substantial munitions.

In a parallel development, Southern security forces recently arrested a Houthi spy conducting surveillance of sensitive Aden sites using sophisticated spy devices disguised as MP3 players with live-streaming capabilities.

Earlier, on June 27, the National Resistance announced seizing 750 tons of weaponry, including naval missiles, Iranian-made drone components, and surveillance gear, allegedly en route to the Houthis via the Red Sea.

Analysts warn these recurring shipments reflect a dangerous escalation in external support for the Houthis, further complicating Yemen's conflict amid a political deadlock and flouting of international arms embargoes.