Iran sent IRGC commanders and drones to Houthis, Reuters reports

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran has sent commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with military advisors, missile equipment and drones, to Yemen's Houthi movement, Reuters reported, citing four sources. The sources included two Iranian officials, Yemen's information minister and a regional security analyst. According to the agency, the personnel and military hardware were transported on a plane that departed Tehran on July 13 and arrived in Yemen. Reuters said Iran's move was aimed at strengthening the Houthis' capacity to threaten maritime traffic in the Red Sea. The reported deployment comes as the Houthis have continued attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Iran has previously been accused by Western and regional governments of arming the group, though Tehran has denied supplying the Houthis with weapons.