Reuters reported on 23 July 2026 that Iran had flown Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders, military advisers, and missile- and drone-related equipment to Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on 13 July 2026, aboard a flight that diverted to the port city of Hodeidah after Saudi-backed Yemeni forces struck Sanaa’s airport.
Between 10 and 21 IRGC personnel were aboard, including senior commanders tasked with training Houthi forces on new missile systems. The cargo included components for short- and medium-range missiles and drones similar to weapons systems previously used in attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Iran also sent gold aboard the flight to help fund Houthi operations.
The transfer followed an earlier pattern of support: Iran had previously routed military advisers to Yemen through Somalia during a Houthi war with Israel the prior year.
Efforts Category: Iran’s Military and Covert Support of the Houthis
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