Intelligence Report: Iranian Experts Directing Houthi Operations Near Bab al-Mandab

An intelligence report has revealed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has deployed a specialized team of 12 experts to oversee operations conducted by Houthi forces near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Yemen’s western coast. The initiative is reportedly aimed at consolidating the militia's military gains and enhancing its maritime and intelligence capabilities in the strategically vital region.

According to an exclusive report by Sheba Intelligence, the Iranian team operates from a clandestine command-and-control center located in Mocha. This unit maintains a direct line of communication with Iranian leadership through a dedicated joint operations channel, while coordination with Houthi command in Sanaa is primarily restricted to operational planning and field execution. The report identifies a bifurcated command structure: a strategic tier overseen by Iran, which dictates major decisions regarding the strait, and an operational tier managed by Houthi forces on the ground.

The report underscores that the Houthi advance toward Bab al-Mandab was not merely a conventional military operation but the culmination of extensive intelligence efforts. These included recruitment, infiltration, and the systematic exploitation of vulnerabilities within forces stationed along the coast. A network of 10 Houthi officials, drawn from preventive security, military intelligence, and state security apparatuses, reportedly facilitated this coordination by leveraging years of established local influence and information-gathering networks.

Following their military advancements, the Iranian-led contingent has focused on securing coastal territories through the construction of trenches, fortified positions, and military installations stretching from Al-Khawkha through Mocha and Dhubab to the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Furthermore, the Iranian team is overseeing the installation of advanced radar systems, communication networks, and maritime surveillance equipment. These assets are intended to bolster command-and-control capabilities and facilitate the monitoring of vessel traffic in the Red Sea.

There is growing concern that this expanded maritime infrastructure may be used to facilitate the covert delivery of new weapons shipments. Analysts suggest that the Houthi militia may be utilizing larger vessels to transport materiel directly to Mocha or offloading cargo onto remote islands and coastal sites before moving them inland via smaller boats. This logistical buildup is complemented by ongoing efforts to recruit and train local fishermen and civilians for intelligence and surveillance roles, effectively creating a permanent, sustainable system for regional maritime dominance.