Iran transported Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel and missile-related equipment to Yemen this month, according to four sources cited by Reuters. The reported transfer suggests Tehran is strengthening Houthi military capabilities amid rising regional tensions.
According to the sources, the flight departed Tehran on July 13 carrying between 10 and 21 IRGC personnel, including senior commanders. The aircraft was initially bound for Sanaa but diverted to Hodeidah after an attack on the airport.
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The sources said the flight also carried missile- and drone-related equipment, while one source alleged gold was transported to finance Houthi activities. Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment, while Tehran has consistently denied providing the Houthis with missile capabilities.
Meanwhile, Houthi media official Abdel Rahman al-Ahnomi rejected the allegations, describing them as false. He said everyone aboard the aircraft was a civilian, while the Houthis maintained they develop their own weapons.
Moreover, Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar al-Iryani told Reuters that intelligence indicated IRGC personnel and military equipment had entered Yemen. He said their mission was to strengthen Houthi capabilities and threaten international maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
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Additionally, security analyst Mzahem Alsaloum told Reuters the cargo included components for short- and medium-range missiles and drones. He also claimed Iran had previously sent military advisers to Yemen through Somalia, an allegation Tehran has denied.
According to Reuters, the reported deployment came days before the Houthis announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia and later claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers. The developments have intensified concerns over security in one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.