Houthis Move Missiles, Drones to Red Sea Coast Amid Escalation Fears

The Houthi militia, supported by Iran, has deployed significant military reinforcements, including missiles and drones, to western highlands overlooking the Red Sea and border areas with Saudi Arabia, signaling preparations for a new phase of military escalation. This move coincides with heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.

The military sources, cited by the specialized defense platform "Defense Line," indicated that the militia is preparing to expand its operations in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait. Plans reportedly include targeting vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.

Over the past few days, intensive field movements have been observed, involving the transfer of naval weapons, missiles, and drone launch platforms to western regions facing the Red Sea, as well as to central Yemeni areas under Houthi control. The militia has reportedly deployed new weapon systems along the western mountain range stretching across the governorates of Hajjah, Hodeidah, Mahwit, Rima, Dhamar, and extending to Ibb and Taiz, thereby enhancing their capabilities for military operations on the western coast.

Concurrently, the sources revealed that the Houthi militia has dispatched combat reinforcements and heavy military equipment to areas near the Saudi borders in the governorates of Saada, Hajjah, and Al Jawf. These movements occur alongside the strengthening of their positions along the front lines with government forces in eastern and central Yemen.

In related developments, the National Resistance Forces announced on Sunday the thwarting of an infiltration attempt by Houthi militia boats targeting Zukur Island in the Red Sea, south of Hodeidah Governorate. Earlier, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing Iranian and regional sources, that Iran had requested the Houthi militia prepare to close the Bab al-Mandab strait should the United States launch an attack on Iran's energy infrastructure.