U.S. thwarts Iranian shipment of missile components to Houthis, photos
The U.S. intercepted missile components that Iran intended to transfer to the Houthis (twitter.com/CENTCOM)
The United States Navy intercepted Iranian weaponry intended for the Houthis. The supplies were being transported via a ship, according to the U.S. Central Command on X.
As noted by the command, the ship with Iranian weaponry was intercepted on the night of January 11. It was stormed by U.S. Navy SEALs with the support of helicopters and drones. This occurred near the coast of Somalia in international waters of the Arabian Sea.
"Seized items 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," said the U.S. military.
According to the U.S. Central Command, the Houthis used similar weapons for threats and attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea.
This was the first instance of seizing weaponry intended for the Houthis since the start of the militants' attacks on ships in November 2023.
The ship transporting the weapons was deemed dangerous and was sunk by the U.S. Navy. The fate of the 14 crew members will be determined in accordance with international law.
Houthi attacks
After the start of Israel's war with HAMAS, Yemeni Houthis have repeatedly attacked civilian ships in the Red Sea and beyond.
In response, the U.S. and the UK carried out missile strikes on targets in Yemen associated with the Houthis.
It was recently revealed that they had taken four Ukrainian sailors hostage. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported this.
