January 16, 2024
Release quantity 20240116-01
For instant launch
TAMPA, FL – January 11, 2024, U.S. Centcom Naval Forces illegally intercepts superior deadly help supplies from Iran to resupply Houthi forces in Yemen as a part of the Houthi motion whereas conducting flag verification The dhow that was being transported to Japan was captured in the course of the evening. Continuing marketing campaign of assaults towards worldwide service provider transport.
US Navy SEALs working from the Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), with the help of helicopters and unmanned aerial autos (UAVs), carried out a fancy boarding of a dhow close to the coast of Somalia in worldwide waters within the Arabian Sea. An Iranian ballistic missile was captured. Missile and cruise missile elements. The seized objects embrace propulsion techniques, steering techniques, and warheads for the Houthi medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) and anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), in addition to air defense-related elements. Initial evaluation signifies that these similar weapons have been utilized by the Houthis to intimidate and assault harmless sailors on worldwide business ships crusing via the Red Sea.
This is the primary time {that a} lethal Iranian-supplied superior typical weapon (ACW) has been seized by the Houthis since they started assaults on business ships in November 2023. The seizure additionally marks the primary seizure of superior Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles. The direct or oblique provide, sale, or switch of arms to the Houthis in Yemen violates UN Security Resolution 2216 and worldwide regulation.
Two US Navy SEALs who had beforehand been reported lacking at sea have been straight concerned within the operation. “We are conducting a radical seek for our lacking teammate,” mentioned USCENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Eric Kurilla.
The dhow was deemed unsafe and sunk by the US Navy. The punishment of the 14 dhow crew members was determined primarily based on worldwide regulation.
“It is evident that Iran continues to move superior deadly help to the Houthis. “This is one other instance of how terrorists are planting targets,” mentioned General Michael Eric Kurilla. “We will proceed to work with our regional and worldwide companions to show and thwart these efforts.” . and in the end to revive freedom of navigation. ”
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DVIDS – News – USCENTCOM seizes superior Iranian typical weapons for Houthis (dvidshub.web)