Al-Fassel | 2025-11-05

Yemeni Interior Minister Major General Ibrahim Haydan revealed that security forces recently apprehended members of Lebanese Hezbollah and Syrians.

These individuals were involved in smuggling narcotics and supporting the Houthis.

Such arrests underscore Tehran’s strategy of using foreign networks to bolster its proxy forces in Yemen, further deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.

Foreign operatives and drug trafficking networks

The arrests of Hezbollah-affiliated operatives and other foreign nationals at Aden International Airport highlight Iran’s covert operations in Yemen.

Two individuals — one linked to Hezbollah and the other a Syrian national — were detained after attempting to enter Yemen as tourists.

These arrests are part of a broader crackdown on drug smuggling networks, which shifted operations to Yemen following the collapse of Syria’s Assad regime.

These networks not only fund the Houthi militias but also exacerbate Yemen’s poverty and insecurity.

“Security forces have managed to thwart several operations and seize large quantities of illegal substances,” Haydan told the press.

He accused Iran of transferring drug factories to Yemen as part of its strategy to sustain the Houthis and expand its regional influence.

Strengthening the Houthis as a proxy force

Iran’s reliance on the Houthis has intensified as its other regional proxies, such as Hezbollah, face mounting challenges.

Tehran has deployed military experts and transferred drone production facilities to Yemen, enabling the Houthis to escalate their attacks.

These actions align with Iran’s broader ambition to destabilize the region and extend its influence through proxy warfare.

Haydan noted that the Houthis are now at their weakest point, with divisions emerging within their ranks.

However, Iran’s continued support has prolonged the conflict, undermining efforts to restore peace and stability in Yemen.

Humanitarian impact on Yemen

Iran’s actions have had devastating consequences for the Yemeni people. The country is grappling with widespread poverty, insecurity, and a lack of basic resources, including food, clean water, and healthcare.

By funding and arming the Houthis, Iran has perpetuated the conflict, displacing millions.

Drug trafficking networks linked to Iran have further destabilized the economy, creating an environment of lawlessness and despair.

As Tehran’s traditional proxies weaken, its reliance on the Houthis has intensified, turning Yemen into a battleground for regional power struggles.

This has not only prolonged the suffering of the Yemeni people but also destabilized the broader Middle East.