Al-Mahra (South24)

Earlier today, the security services in Al-Mahra governorate, South Yemen, seized drone engines and communications equipment on board a commercial truck, believed to be heading to the Houthis in North Yemen.

Local sources told "South24" that a truck, which was stopped at the Shahn Land Port a month ago, was searched and equipment was found on board.

According to the sources, the shipment included 100 drone engines in 25 boxes, in addition to communications equipment belonging to the Chinese company Huawei.

South24 obtained images showing the engines and the boxes.

An investigation conducted by "South24 Center" showed that the engines in the photo are DEL170 gasoline-powered drone engines, manufactured by the Chinese company DLE, which specializes in this industry.

According to the sources, the truck belonged to a local merchant in Al-Mahra governorate, and it was likely on its way to the Houthis in North Yemen.

"South24 Center" attempted to contact the security services in the governorate to obtain clarification, but we have not received a response yet.

Over the past years, the security forces and the Saudi-led Coalition forces seized land and sea shipments of weapons on their way to the Houthis.

Al-Mahra governorate shares a long land border with the Sultanate of Oman, which enjoys strong relations with the Houthis. There are also local elements in the governorate close to the Iranian-backed militia.

On December 30, the security forces in Wadi Hadramout seized two trucks loaded with equipment for drones.

The US Navy also arrested 3 ships loaded with ammunition, assault rifles and missile fuel during the past weeks, which were on their way to the Houthis.

In late February 2022, the UN Security Council expanded the arms embargo imposed on the Houthis to include all elements of the movement that controls most of North Yemen.