US announced the interception of a weapons shipment from Iran to Yemeni rebels
In a recent announcement on Thursday, the US military disclosed its interception of an Iranian weapons shipment in January intended for the Huthi rebels in Yemen. This action forms part of a broader initiative by the United States to counter the Huthi attacks, which have prompted retaliatory measures from both US and British forces, including recent strikes conducted by American forces on Wednesday.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the interception took place in the Arabian Sea on January 28, where the US Navy seized a significant cache of advanced conventional weapons and other dangerous materials of Iranian origin destined for Huthi-controlled regions in Yemen. The seized shipment reportedly consisted of over 200 packages containing missile components, explosives, and various other devices.
In response to the interception, CENTCOM’s chief, Michael Erik Kurilla, condemned Iran’s actions, labeling them as another instance of the country’s destabilizing conduct in the region. He highlighted Iran’s ongoing provision of advanced weaponry to the Huthis as a direct threat to international shipping safety and the unhindered flow of commerce.
The Huthi rebels, who hold sway over a significant portion of Yemen, have been actively targeting crucial shipping routes in the Red Sea since November. They justify their actions as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Even prior to these attacks in the Red Sea, the United States had been intercepting shipments of weapons bound for Yemen that were purportedly supplied by Iran. In a previous incident on January 16, the US announced the interception of Iranian-manufactured missile components and other weaponry en route to the Huthis. This operation, however, resulted in the loss of two US commandos during the boarding of the vessel headed for Yemen.
News: US announced the interception of a weapons shipment from Iran to Yemeni rebels
