Iran reportedly expands influence on Yemen’s Red Sea coast after Houthi takeover - report
The goal of the Houthis is to create a new reality along the Red Sea. They are digging trenches in the mountains to prevent the government forces from retaking the area.
The United Arab Emirates' Al-Ain media reports that Iran has quickly moved to establish a presence along Yemen's Red Sea coast following the Houthis' takeover. Historically, the UAE has maintained strong connections in Aden and southern Yemen, but now Iran appears to be playing a role in the region captured by Houthis on September 11.
Security and media sources indicate that Iran has deployed radar systems on the western coast and is utilizing the coastal strip for smuggling military equipment from Somalia. Iranian experts have conducted field visits to key sites like Bab el-Mandab, Mokha, and the Hanish island chain. These moves demonstrate Iran's efforts to leverage its Houthi allies to expand its influence network along the Yemeni coast from Hodeidah to the Bab el-Mandab Strait.
The Houthis have been intensifying attacks on Saudi Arabia since their mid-September offensive. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have also targeted Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline. In addition to radar systems, the Houthis are involved in smuggling operations, with Iranian equipment and weapons recently arriving via the western coast.
However, Iran's smuggling efforts face challenges. In the past, it was easier for the Iranians to transport missiles and drone parts by sea to Yemen. Saudi Arabia has opposed Iran's attempt to reopen an air corridor to Yemen, while the US maintains a maritime blockade on Iran. Despite these hurdles, Iranian shipments are reportedly being unloaded in Hodeidah and managed by Hassan Al-Attas, head of the Fisheries Authority in the Red Sea.
Al-Attas is said to operate a smuggling network closely tied to Houthi leader Ibrahim Hassan Ismail Al-Madani, with security provided by Shaher Al-Qahoum, who has Iran training.
The Houthis aim to create a new reality along the Red Sea by constructing trenches in the mountains and increasing coastal activity. They are also establishing new sites and radar systems overlooking the western coast and recently captured areas. These actions come after visits by Iranian experts to key locations, including Bab el-Mandab and Mokha, where they met with Houthi missile force engineers to establish a new phase of threats to international navigation.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
