Yemeni forces allied to the exiled government have seized a massive shipment of Iranian-supplied arms, including missiles and weaponry bound for Houthi rebels. The National Resistance Force, a group led by Tariq Saleh’s nephew, claimed the seizure in late June. The force released a video showing anti-ship missiles and Type 358 anti-aircraft missiles, which are also used by the Houthis.
The US military praised the seizure, stating that it shows Iran remains the most destabilizing actor in the region. General Michael Erik Kurilla said limiting Iranian support to the Houthis is critical for regional security, stability, and freedom of navigation.
The seizure marks the latest interdiction of arms in Yemen’s decade-long conflict. The war has killed over 150,000 people and created a humanitarian disaster, with widespread famine and displacement. The US Navy and other Western forces have previously intercepted Iranian arms shipments to the Houthis, but this is the first major interdiction by the National Resistance Force.
Iran denies arming the rebels, despite finding Tehran-manufactured weaponry on battlefields and in sea shipments heading to Yemen. The conflict has pushed Yemen to the brink of disaster, with millions at risk of famine and displacement.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-iran-weapons-red-sea-e282c456e3db6f63fe696cba50e7c864