Iran Flew IRGC Commanders, Missile Gear to Yemen's Houthis, Sources Say

Iran has allegedly transferred senior commanders of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and missile-related equipment to Yemen this month, according to four sources familiar with the matter. This move suggests Tehran is actively working to enhance the Houthi movement's capacity to threaten shipping in the Red Sea.

The sources, including two from Iran and Yemen's information minister, indicated that the IRGC personnel and military gear were transported on a Mahan Air flight from Tehran to Yemen on July 13. Between 10 and 21 IRGC members, including commanders, were reportedly on board. The flight was initially destined for the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, but was diverted to the port city of Hodeidah after the airport came under attack.

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The IRGC commanders travelled there to support Houthi operations and provide training on new missile systems.

One source stated that the IRGC commanders were dispatched to support Houthi operations and provide training on new missile systems. The aircraft also allegedly carried gold to finance Houthi activities. These deployments offer further evidence of Iran's efforts to bolster the Houthis, who have been engaged in a protracted civil war against the internationally recognized Yemeni government and have previously launched missile and drone attacks on Gulf neighbors.

However, Iran's foreign ministry has consistently denied providing missile capabilities to the Houthi movement. Abdel Rahman al-Ahnomi, a Houthi media official who claimed to be on the flight, dismissed the allegations as "lies and fabrications," asserting that all passengers were civilians. The Houthis themselves have previously denied being an Iranian proxy, stating they develop their own weaponry.

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The allegations that Iran sent military experts to Yemen are lies and fabrications.