US Intercepts Houthi Weapons Shipment From Iran

Photo of the weapons consignment confiscated by the US Navy
Photo of the weapons consignment confiscated by the US Navy

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) intercepted a weapons consignment of "advanced conventional weapons and other lethal aid" en-route to Iran's Houthi militia in Yemen.

The intercepted shipment included components for ballistic missiles, drones, explosives and assorted military gear.

The US Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast-response cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr, operating under CENTCOM Naval Forces, intercepted the vessel in the Arabian Sea on January 28, according to the statement.

"The boarding team discovered over 200 packages that contained medium-range ballistic missile components, explosives, unmanned underwater/surface vehicle (UUV/USV) components, military-grade communication and network equipment, anti-tank guided missile launcher assemblies, and other military components," detailed the CENTCOM statement.

General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, said, "This is yet another example of Iran’s malign activity in the region".

He added, "Their continued supply of advanced conventional weapons to the Houthis is in direct violation of international law and continues to undermine the safety of international shipping and the free flow of commerce."

The statement reiterated CENTCOM's commitment to collaborating with allies and partners to counter the proliferation of Iranian lethal aid in the region through lawful means, including US and UN sanctions and interdictions.

The interception comes on the heels of another incident on January 16, where US Navy forces halted a small vessel ferrying advanced lethal aid from Iran to reinforce Houthi forces in Yemen. Such interceptions highlight ongoing tensions in the region, with recent Houthi attacks on commercial vessels disrupting global trade routes, allegedly in response to Israel's actions in Gaza and in line with Iran's directives.