“Iranian advanced weapon components, drones, and communications gear.” That is how US Central Command described what Yemen’s Coast Guard took off a smuggling boat in the southern Red Sea, praising the force on Sunday for the seizure.
The boat was a dhow, and the interception happened on February 12. Lloyd’s List reported that it was reportedly from Iran and headed for Hodeidah, a port held by the Houthis. On deck sat a 40 ft container. Inside were cruise missile structures, jet engines for cruise missiles and suicide drones, and reconnaissance drones, along with marine radars, a jamming system and a wireless communications system.
CENTCOM first disclosed the operation in a post on X. It called the intended recipients “Iranian backed Houthi terrorists.”
A fragile calm in the Red Sea
The seizure came during a lull. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on January 19, and the Houthis said that day they were nearly ending their campaign against merchant shipping. Their last reported attack on commercial vessels was in December, when drones and missiles targeted a convoy of US-flagged vessels and US warships.
Yemen Online noted that the group has threatened to keep attacking Israel and ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden should the Gaza ceasefire break down. Since the Israel-Hamas war started on October 7, 2023, the Houthis have become a major threat to shipping, saying their attacks back Gaza’s “resistance” against Israel.
For Washington, the calculus is also about how to respond. The United States has ruled out direct military involvement in operations against the Houthis for now, Yemen Online reported, which leaves local forces such as the Coast Guard doing the interdicting.
Sources
- Yemen : gov't Coast Guard intercepts Iranian weapons sent to Houthis – Yemen Online |
- Yemen Coast Guard intercepts military equipment destined for Houthis
Sources
- Yemen : gov't Coast Guard intercepts Iranian weapons sent to …
- Yemen Coast Guard intercepts military equipment… :: Lloyd's List
