Dubai: The Saudi-led Arab coalition on Tuesday announced that its forces had foiled an attempt to smuggle arms to Al Houthis after fighter jets intercepted seven boats on their way to Yemen via the Red Sea.

A coalition statement said the boats loaded with weapons and military equipment were spotted off an island, west of Al Hudaidah on Thursday, Sky News Arabia reported. The boats made a retreat after warplanes launched strikes.

Recently, the coalition forces announced the detention of an Iranian ship loaded with ammunition, was trying to deliver weapons to Al Houthi militia and their allies.

Rebellion in ranks

Meanwhile, the dire economic state of anti-government militias is provoking a rebellion in their ranks as the groups are unable to pay the fighters who have overrun large parts of the country, according to media reports.

— With inputs from WAM