The Houthi-run Saba news agency released footage of the detained men, labeling them as spies collecting information for the benefit of the American and Israeli enemy.

The group was allegedly recruited after the Houthis began targeting vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in November, disrupting global trade in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war.

The number of suspects arrested was not specified in the report, but at least 18 people were shown in unverified images shared on social media.

The Houthis, a group controlling parts of war-torn Yemen, have been accused of attacking Red Sea shipping by the US and Britain.

Saba, a Houthi spokesperson, denied these charges without providing evidence.

He stated that the Houthis would take necessary actions to secure their home front and protect it from perceived threats by the American and Israeli enemies.

In response to these attacks, the US announced a maritime security initiative in December to protect Red Sea shipping.

The attacks have caused commercial vessels to divert from the busy shipping lane, affecting 12 percent of global trade.

Since January, the US and Britain have launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in response.

The Houthi militia in Yemen accused six suspects of providing intelligence to US and British forces for attacks on Houthi missile and drone sites.

The strikes have not deterred the Houthis, who have vowed to target Israeli, American, and British vessels, as well as those heading to Israeli ports.

On Friday, the Houthis threatened to extend their attacks into the Mediterranean Sea.