CENTCOM Reports Seizure of Iranian Military Equipment Bound for Houthis

The United States Central Command, CENTCOM, announced that the Yemeni Coast Guard seized a shipment of weapons sent from Iran to the Houthi rebels; the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson denied the accusation. On Sunday, February 17, CENTCOM congratulated the Yemeni Coast Guard on social media for this action, stating that the shipment included advanced weapon parts, drones, and communication devices intended for 'Iran-backed Houthi terrorists.' According to CENTCOM's announcement, the vessel carrying these weapons, reportedly originating from Iran, was heading towards the port of Hudaydah, controlled by the Houthis, but was intercepted by Yemeni Coast Guard personnel on February 13 in the southern Red Sea. CENTCOM stated that a 50-foot container was found on the seized boat, containing high-quality military equipment, including cruise missile parts, jet engines for use in cruise missiles and suicide drones, reconnaissance drones, maritime radars, a modern jamming system, and an advanced wireless communication system. CENTCOM also published images of this equipment along with its announcement on social media. However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson denied the allegation of sending weapons from Iran to Yemen. Ismail Baqaei described the news as 'baseless' and 'part of negative propaganda' against Iran. He claimed that the Islamic Republic has no 'military presence' in Yemen and that the weapons in the country have 'no connection to Iran.' The United States and UN experts have repeatedly stated that they have seized Iranian-made weapons bound for the Houthis in regional waters, providing images and videos as evidence. According to Western countries, the Houthis have used these weapons, including in their attacks over the past year against international shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.