Anti-Smuggling Forces Seize Iranian Vessel Near Bab al-Mandab Strait

The Giants Brigades, under the command of Brigadier General Hamdi Shukri, announced Tuesday the seizure of a smuggling vessel originating from Iran off the coast of Lahij Governorate, near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, on Monday. The ship was reportedly carrying unauthorized pharmaceuticals and metal wiring.

A source within the security operation confirmed that a naval patrol successfully intercepted the smuggling ship following precise monitoring and tracking within territorial waters off the coasts of Al-Mudaribah and Ras Al-Arah districts. The vessel was found transporting both undocumented medicines and dual-use metal cables. The crew, consisting of ten Pakistani nationals, was apprehended during the operation.

The ship reportedly departed from Bandar Abbas Port in Iran on March 12, 2026, en route to Al-Salif Port in Hodeidah Governorate, an area currently controlled by the Tehran-aligned Houthi militias. Authorities have secured the seized contraband and transferred the crew to custody to facilitate further investigation before their referral to the relevant legal bodies.

Abdulrahman Al-Muharrami, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council, praised this significant security achievement by the Giants Brigades forces in intercepting the Iranian smuggling vessel destined for the terrorist Houthi militias in Hodeidah.

Commander Al-Muharrami emphasized the critical necessity of intensifying efforts to safeguard maritime routes against smuggling activities and to prevent the transfer of any prohibited materials to the Houthi militias and their associated criminal networks.