Seizure of Ship Carrying Iranian Weapons for Houthi Militants; CENTCOM Attacks Houthi Positions

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday the seizure of a ship carrying Iranian weapons intended for Houthi militants. According to CENTCOM's statement, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter stationed in the CENTCOM area of responsibility intercepted a vessel in the Sea of Oman on January 28, carrying advanced conventional weapons and other lethal aid from the Islamic Republic of Iran destined for Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. The quick response cutter 'USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr.' of the Sentinel class identified and intercepted the vessel in the Sea of Oman. The CENTCOM statement added that the seized ship was carrying over 200 packages containing components for medium-range ballistic missiles, explosives, parts for unmanned underwater and surface vehicles, military communication equipment, guided anti-tank ballistic missile launcher components, and other military parts. CENTCOM noted that the supply, sale, or transfer of such assistance violates UN Security Council Resolution 2216, which has been extended by Resolutions 2675 and 2707. General Michael Eric Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, described the seized Iranian weapons for the Houthis as 'another example of the Iranian regime's malign activities in the region' and stated that the continued supply of advanced conventional weapons by the Islamic Republic to the Houthis is a 'direct violation of international law' and undermines international maritime security and the free flow of trade. CENTCOM concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to working with U.S. allies and partners to counter the transfer of lethal aid from the Islamic Republic to its proxy forces in the region through all legal means, including U.S. and UN sanctions. In a separate statement, CENTCOM announced that on Wednesday, November 16, from 1 PM to 7:30 PM local time in Sana'a, successful strikes were carried out against seven mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, three mobile drones, and one explosive unmanned vessel in Houthi-controlled areas. According to the statement, these weapons were prepared for operations against vessels in the Red Sea, and CENTCOM identified them as an 'imminent threat' to U.S. Navy ships and commercial vessels in the region. CENTCOM labeled the attack on these Houthi weapons supported by the Islamic Republic as 'self-defense' and added that these actions protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy ships and commercial vessels.