US Claims It Seized Weapons Destined To Houthis From Iran (Photo on X U.S. Central Command @CENTCOM)
United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) Navy force in a post on X (formerly Twitter) today said that it conducted a night-time seizure of a dhow and recovered “lethal aid from Iran to resupply Houthis forces” in Yemen on January 12.
The statement said that the US Navy SEALs mission, supported by helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles boarded the dhow near the coast of Somalia. It said it seized Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missile components from the dhow. Seized items, according to the US claim, include propulsion, guidance, and warheads for Houthi medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) and anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), as well as air defense-associated components.
The US alleged that the analysis indicated that the Houthis were using the same weapons that they seized to target ships in the Red Sea. The US claims this is the first seizure of Iranian-supplied weapons to Houthis since the Red Sea attack.
According to a report, western militaries have been conducting raids on boats they alleged smuggling weapons to Yemen from Iran. Two US Navy SEALs involved in the operation had earlier gone missing at the sea. USCENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla said that they are conducting an exhaustive search for our missing teammates. “It is clear that Iran continues shipment of advanced lethal aid to the Houthis. This is yet another example of how Iran actively sows instability throughout the region in direct violation of U.N Security Resolution 2216 and international law. We will continue to work with regional and international partners to expose and interdict these efforts, and ultimately to reestablish freedom of navigation,” said Michael Erik Kurilla.
The vessels described as dhow by the officials were suspected to be unsafe and thus sunk by the Navy. “Disposition of the 14 dhow crewmembers is being determined in accordance with international law,” the statement said.
USCENTCOM Seizes Iranian Advanced Conventional Weapons Bound for Houthis
On 11 January 2024, while conducting a flag verification, U.S. CENTCOM Navy forces conducted a night-time seizure of a dhow conducting illegal transport of advanced lethal aid from Iran to resupply Houthi… pic.twitter.com/yg4PuTZBh7
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 16, 2024
