Yemeni coast guard steps up island security, targets Houthi smuggling routes

Major General Khaled Al-Qamaly, head of the Yemeni Coast Guard Authority, affirmed that coast guard forces continue to participate in military and security operations to secure islands, coastal areas, and maritime entry points, in coordination with the Giants Brigades, Shield of the Nation forces, and the National Resistance, with support from the Coalition leadership.

In a statement carried by Al Arabiya, Al-Qamaly said the forces are carrying out their national and military duties despite the country’s exceptional circumstances, strengthening the protection of Yemen’s coasts, islands, and territorial waters.

He explained that the coast guard’s role goes beyond safeguarding territorial waters, extending to supporting joint military operations, securing maritime areas, and countering infiltration, smuggling, and illicit supply operations to Houthi militias, as part of efforts to reduce threats targeting coastal areas and maritime entry points.

The Yemeni Coast Guard chief stressed the importance of integrated roles between the coast guard and other military formations involved in operations, emphasizing that joint coordination is essential to keep pace with developments on the ground, enhance security and stability in coastal regions, and protect international shipping lanes in the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea.

Al-Qamaly confirmed that coast guard forces will continue to carry out their duties responsibly and with readiness alongside other military units, noting that protecting national sovereignty and securing islands, coasts, and maritime corridors is a shared responsibility that requires ongoing cooperation and coordination.