Aden, South24 Center

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Customs authorities at Aden Free Zone Port on Monday, October 13, intercepted a large shipment containing over 24,000 electronic components and parts used in the manufacture and operation of drones, a source told South24. The security operation was described as a qualitative achievement amid ongoing efforts to combat the smuggling of dual-use materials.

The source told South24 that the seized shipment "included flight controllers, GPS modules, and specialized electronic boards for drones”, adding that "the confiscated items comprised 67 packages containing relays, servo motors, and restricted operational tools”.

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He further explained that "the interception is part of intensified regulatory campaigns to protect national security and prevent the entry of components that could be used in illegal activities," adding that the security drill involved thorough inspections of commercial shipments arriving at the port.

This development comes just two days after customs authorities at the Sarfeit crossing in Al-Mahra Governorate, eastern Yemen, announced the seizure of another shipment containing approximately 3,000 dual-use electronic components, including devices used in the manufacture of drones and explosive devices.

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A source at Sarfeit customs told South24 on October 11 that the shipment "contained 90 different types of electronic components, including fiber optic welders, control boards, sensors, and precision cables," adding that the devices were "carefully concealed within packages bearing labels inconsistent with their actual contents."

The source emphasized that the seizures are part of a stringent regulatory campaign in coordination with security agencies to prevent the smuggling of sensitive materials that could be exploited for "military purposes or activities threatening security and stability."

Previous reports indicate that the Houthi group has relied for years on external smuggling networks to obtain spare parts and technical components for the drones they use in attacks against targets both inside and outside Yemen.

On October 2, security authorities in Aden had announced the results of an extensive inspection of a shipment intercepted at the Aden Container Port, which revealed it to be the largest consignment of weapons and military equipment seized so far.

The consignment, seized in August, comprised of 58 containers weighing over 2,500 tons. It was reportedly enroute from Djibouti to the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah before being re-routed to Aden due to the military restrictions imposed on Hodeidah port. 

The seized items included complete factory equipment for producing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), launch platforms, jet engines, and specialized manufacturing units equipped with lathes and industrial presses, in addition to wireless communication devices, advanced control units, and electronic chips used in operating UAVs.