U.S. forces have intercepted a shipment of ballistic missile components, anti-tank weapons and unmanned vehicle equipment in the Middle East.
On January 28, a U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter, USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC 1147), operating out of Bahrain, intercepted a dhow in the Arabian Sea. The dhow was loaded with 200 packages containing medium-range ballistic missile components, explosives, unmanned underwater/surface vehicle components, military-grade communication and network equipment, anti-tank guided missile launcher assemblies, and other military components. The cargo, which likely originated in Iran, was destined for Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
“This is another example of Iran’s malign activity in the region,” said CENTCOM commander General Kurilla.
According to a Pentagon report on Houthi weapons released this month, 18 Iranian smuggling vessels have been intercepted by the United States and its allies since 2015.
The provision, sale, or transfer of such aid violates UN Security Council Resolution 2216 of April 14, 2015, and undermines the security of international shipping and the free flow of commerce.
The first use of a UUV by the Houthis since attacks began on October 23 was observed.
On February 17, U.S. forces successfully conducted two self-defense strikes against an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) and an unmanned surface vessel (USV) in areas of Yemen controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthis.
These actions, in response to an imminent threat to commercial shipping in the region, respect the right to freedom of navigation and make international waters safer.
