Riyadh:The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has issued a warning to the Houthi group against the use of traditional boats for smuggling weapons, missiles, and military equipment into the country. The coalition highlighted the potential risks to civilians and regional security associated with such activities.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Joint Forces Command of the coalition emphasized in a statement that the smuggling practices pose a threat to security not only in Yemen but also in the broader region. The coalition urged boat owners to refrain from cooperating with the Houthis in the transportation of weapons and military equipment to Yemen's coast, cautioning that their lives and property could be endangered.

The statement did not provide specific details on any smuggling operations or intercepted weapons shipments. However, the warning follows the coalition's release of footage showing strikes on boats, vehicles, and facilities allegedly used to smuggle weapons to the Houthis in Yemen's western Al Hudaydah province. The footage, which was made public on Friday, depicted vessels and vehicles being monitored before strikes targeted several locations.

Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa, and several other provinces in 2014. This led to the intervention of the Saudi-led coalition in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government. The most recent fighting began in July, after a UN-brokered truce from 2022 collapsed.