Media reports stated that a ship smuggling experts and military materials for missile production that was destined for the Houthi militia disappeared in the Red Sea.

It was reported that the missing ship three days ago caused the Houthi militia to be on alert and to carry out a patrol and reconnaissance mission.

She added that “Iranian experts and prominent security leaders in the Houthi militia participated in a special meeting held in Sanaa to review and discuss a report on the large boat missing in the Red Sea.”

For years, Iran has been accused of providing the Houthis with the weapons and expertise needed to develop long-range missiles and drones. On occasion, the US Navy and other international forces have intercepted the shipments, often disguised as commercial ships.

Security sources revealed to Al Ain News newspaper that the Houthi militias lost contact with the large transport boat that was on a smuggling mission via a regular sea route from the countries of the Horn of Africa to the coast of Hodeidah Governorate overlooking the Red Sea.

The sources confirmed that the ship was expected to arrive in Yemen on Friday, but it disappeared on Saturday. The Houthis, who lack a strong navy, have mobilized small boats and drones to search, but their fishing boats lack the technology needed for such operations, and no distress calls have been detected.

There is speculation that the ship may have been targeted by the US-backed “Prosperity Sentinel” mission, which aims to protect shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks amid the blockade imposed by the terrorist group since November.

The Houthi militia fears that the ship may have been intercepted by the American or European navy, in light of the intensified campaign on Iranian arms shipments.