U.S. Navy SEALs intercepted a dhow carrying Iranian-made weapons, believed to be destined for Houthi rebels in Yemen, as announced by U.S. Central Command on Tuesday, January 16.
The seizure, the first of its kind since 2019, unfolded based on actionable intelligence, leading Navy SEALs stationed on the USS Lewis B. Puller to intercept the traditional Mideastern sailing vessel in international waters off the coast of Somalia.
Executing a complex boarding operation with support from helicopters and drones, U.S. forces discovered propulsion systems, guidance systems, and warheads onboard, all intended for Houthi ballistic and cruise missiles.
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The advanced weaponry bore striking resemblance to components used by the Houthis in their attacks on commercial ships navigating the Red Sea. U.S. officials labeled the interdiction as “the first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons to the Houthis” since rebel attacks on merchant vessels commenced in late 2022.
This interception blatantly violated U.N. Security Council resolutions prohibiting arms transfers to Houthi forces, prompting U.S. officials to underline their commitment to maritime security in the region. However, the success came at a cost – two Navy SEALs participating in the operation were lost at sea under unclear circumstances. U.S. Central Command pledged an exhaustive search for the missing sailors.
Deeming the aging dhow unsafe following the boarding, U.S. forces deliberately scuttled the vessel, and the 14 crew members were apprehended, awaiting further disposition in accordance with international law.
U.S. officials directly linked the seized shipment to Iran’s ongoing support of Houthi rebels in Yemen’s civil war, emphasizing the threat posed by these weapons transfers to the stability of the region. Experts noted that the intercepted shipment matched known components of Houthi missiles used in attacks on Saudi Arabia and vessels near Yemen’s coast, signaling the potential escalation of rebel attacks.
The successful interception underscores the U.S. commitment to disrupting Iran’s illicit arms pipeline. However, whether this will effectively curb future Houthi attacks remains uncertain. Despite the setback, U.S. forces remain prepared to undertake similar high-risk missions to counter arms flows that could destabilize the region.
The seizure further increases pressure on Iran, coming at a time when the nation is attempting to revive the nuclear deal. The U.S. presence near Iranian shores and the interception of weapons destined abroad highlights continued vigilance against Iranian provocations in the region.
