Iran Reportedly Installs Radar Systems in Yemen's Bab al-Mandab Strait
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) experts have reportedly visited the Bab al-Mandab strait in Yemen to install radar systems, according to an Emirati media report cited by Al-Ain. The report suggests Iran is leveraging its Houthi allies to establish a forward defense line along the Yemeni coast, extending from Hodeidah to Bab al-Mandab, as part of its regional influence network. This comes after Houthi forces seized control of the western coast, including areas near the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait, on September 11. The report also indicates that the coastal strip is being used to smuggle Iranian military equipment from Somalia.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition announced on Saturday that its forces successfully intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Houthi militia towards Riyadh. The coalition spokesperson, Turki Al-Malki, stated that the Houthi group is deliberately and systematically targeting civilians. The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and UN Secretary-General António Guterres have condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
In a separate incident, the Israeli military and the Shin Bet security agency announced the arrest of two individuals suspected of starting a fire near the Palestinian village of Burqa in the West Bank. The detainees reportedly confessed to the act. This follows an earlier incident where Israeli settlers allegedly vandalized a home under construction in Qusra and attacked journalists.
The Israeli military is also increasing its readiness across all fronts in preparation for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Additional forces will be deployed to the northern, central, and southern commands, with increased air and naval activity. This heightened alert follows a previous increase in preparedness in the West Bank due to rising tensions.
