“A U.S. Coast Guard cutter, deployed to the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) area of responsibility, seized conventional and other lethal weapons originating from Iran and destined for Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in aboard a ship in the Arabian Sea on January 28,” Centcom said in a message posted on the social network X.
“The Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr assigned to the United States Naval Forces Central Command located the vessel and boarded it in the Arabian Sea,” Centcom said, adding: “The boarding team discovered more than 200 packages containing medium-range ballistic missile components, explosives, unmanned underwater/surface vehicle components, military-grade communications and networking equipment, guided missile launcher assemblies anti-tank and other military components.
According to Centcom, the direct or indirect provision, sale or transfer of such assistance violates United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216.
CENTCOM Intercepts Iranian Weapons Shipment Intended for Houthis
TAMPA, Fla.
– A US Coast Guard cutter, forward deployed to the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, seized advanced conventional weapons and other lethal aid originating in Iran and bound to… pic.twitter.com/inkw4ihq1I
— US Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 15, 2024
“This is yet another example of Iran’s malign activities in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Centcom commander.
“Their continued supply of advanced conventional weapons to the Houthis constitutes a direct violation of international law and continues to undermine the security of international maritime transport and the free flow of trade.
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The American fleet and cargo ships are regularly attacked in the Red Sea.
On Tuesday, Centcom forces shot down a mobile anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) in Houthi-controlled areas.
A short time later, an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) was launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen towards the Gulf of Aden.
But since its course did not threaten any ships, the US Navy just followed the missile's trajectory.
Since mid-November, the Houthis have increased attacks against ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden that they consider linked to Israel.
The Houthis claimed to be acting in “solidarity” with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
However, attacks by Yemeni rebels have forced many shipowners to suspend passage through this area where 12% of world trade passes.