Yemeni Army Spokesman to Asharq Al-Awsat: Iranians Continue Smuggling Arms to Support Houthis

 The Iran-backed Houthis committed 389 violations that led to the death of 70 civilians across Yemen last month. (Reuters/File photo)
The Iran-backed Houthis committed 389 violations that led to the death of 70 civilians across Yemen last month. (Reuters/File photo)
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Yemeni Army Spokesman to Asharq Al-Awsat: Iranians Continue Smuggling Arms to Support Houthis

 The Iran-backed Houthis committed 389 violations that led to the death of 70 civilians across Yemen last month. (Reuters/File photo)
The Iran-backed Houthis committed 389 violations that led to the death of 70 civilians across Yemen last month. (Reuters/File photo)

Yemeni Army spokesman Brigadier General Abdo Majli told Asharq Al-Awsat on Monday that the Iranian regime is still involved in the smuggling of arms and missiles to the Houthi militias in Yemen. He said the smuggling operation happens through the Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa ports, on the Red Sea coasts.

“We are talking about an open area. The arms are smuggled in boats crossing the international waters to the Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen,” Majli said.

The General explained that weapons are sometimes transformed in spare parts, which are then gathered by Iranian experts in Sanaa or in Saadah.

At the battlefield, Majli called on the International Committee of the Red Cross to remove the bodies of hundreds of Houthi militias laid at the Nahm and Jawf fronts, after being left by the group when the National Army confronted their infiltration attempts in the area few weeks ago.

“The victories of the National Army continue in the Jawf governorate, where we control large territories,” he said.

Yemeni army commanders said Houthis suffered heavy losses over the last couple of weeks during fighting in Yemen’s main battlefields of Sanaa, Marib, Jawf and Taiz as government forces announced the death and injury of hundreds of Houthis since early last month. 

“More than 80 percent of the Jawf governorate is now captured by the legitimacy,” Majli said, adding that the army controls several highlands, particularly the Black Mountains.

In a related development, the National Army, backed by Coalition helicopters and tanks, launched a wide attack on Houthi militia positions in Maran, in the governorate of Saada.

“The attack left several Houthi deaths and injuries at the frontiers of the Akim mountain, which overlooks the Mastaba and Marawi mountains,” Mohammed bin Abdullah al-Ajabi, commander of the 3rd Commando Brigade told the Saba news agency on Monday.



Al-Mashhadani Emphasizes Strengthening Iraqi-Saudi Relations

Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
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Al-Mashhadani Emphasizes Strengthening Iraqi-Saudi Relations

Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani has called for prioritizing stronger ties with Saudi Arabia, citing shared regional interests and the potential for positive outcomes.
During a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Shammari, Al-Mashhadani highlighted the importance of Iraqi-Saudi cooperation, particularly in addressing regional challenges. The meeting explored ways to enhance bilateral relations in economic and political spheres while discussing major Arab issues, including the Gaza war, Lebanon’s instability, and changes in Syria.
This comes after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week in AlUla to address the challenges of the Syrian crisis, regional security, and stability. The summit focused on aligning efforts to tackle broader geopolitical issues and fostering cooperation.
As part of Iraq’s deepening engagement with Gulf countries, Baghdad recently signed numerous agreements with Saudi Arabia through the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council. Additionally, Iraq signed two memoranda of understanding with Oman, covering political consultations, economic collaboration, and transportation.
Sudani also received Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who delivered an invitation from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to visit Oman. Discussions emphasized on enhancing bilateral economic and trade ties, particularly in oil derivatives. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of stability in Syria and the need to preserve its sovereignty and diversity while supporting its people.
In a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Albusaidi underscored the strong cultural and fraternal ties between Iraq and Oman. He noted opportunities for collaboration in tourism, energy, trade, and finance, while underlining his country’s commitment to participate in the Baghdad International Trade Fair in February 2024.
For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein highlighted efforts to abolish visa requirements between Iraq and Oman, expressed hope for inclusive political progress in Syria, and pointed to Iraq’s commitment to further agreements that strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors.