US Navy Successfully Seizes Iranian Weapons En Route To Houthi Forces

U.S. Navy personnel operating under the auspices of the U.S. Central Command successfully seized a midnight dhow involved in illicit trafficking on January 11, 2024. The ship was travelling from Iran to supply the Houthi forces in Yemen so they could continue their ongoing attack against foreign commerce.

The operation was carried out in the international seas of the Arabian Sea close to the coast of Somalia by U.S. Navy SEALs operating out of the USS Lewis B Puller. Helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles provided support. Propulsion, warheads, and guidance for Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs) and medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) were among the Iranian-made ballistic and cruise missile components seized during the complicated boarding process. According to initial investigations, the Houthis have been using these weapons in their attacks on foreign commercial ships in the Red Sea since November 2023.

Since the Houthis’ attacks on shipping vessels started in November 2023, this has been the first time that deadly advanced conventional weapons intended for the Houthis by Iran have been seized. This marks the first time since November 2019 that the U.S. Navy has taken possession of sophisticated cruise missile and ballistic missile parts made in Iran. Unfortunately, this action directly involved two U.S. Navy SEALs who had been reported lost at sea. USCENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla stated they are conducting an exhaustive search for their lost teammates.

U.S. Navy forces sank the dhow after it was determined to be hazardous due to safety issues. Under international law, the 14 dhow crew men determine their fate. The interception, stated General Kurilla, indicates Iran’s ongoing transfer of advanced, lethal aid to the Houthis in violation of international law and U.N. Security Resolution 2216. With the ultimate goal of restoring freedom of navigation in the area, he promised to continue working with regional and global allies to expose and thwart such initiatives.

Reference: USCENTCOM

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