USCENTCOM seizes Iranian advanced conventional weapons. On Jan. 11, 2024, USS LEWIS B. PULLER (ESB 3) intercepts the dhow and conducts a nighttime boarding. US Sailors maintained custody of the dhow until daybreak and completed an extensive search of the vessel with assistance of the US Coast Guard.
On 11 January 2024, while conducting a flag verification, CENTCOM Navy forces conducted a night-time seizure of a dhow conducting illegal transport of advanced lethal aid from Iran to resupply Houthi forces in Yemen as part of the Houthis’ ongoing campaign of attacks against international merchant shipping. Navy SEALs operating from USS Lewis B Puller (ESB 3), supported by helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), executed a complex boarding of the dhow near the coast of Somalia in international waters of the Arabian Sea, seizing Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missiles components. Seized items include propulsion, guidance, and warheads for Houthi medium range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) and anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), as well as air defense associated components. Initial analysis indicates these same weapons have been employed by the Houthis to threaten and attack innocent mariners on international merchant ships transiting in the Red Sea. This is the first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons (ACW) to the Houthis since the beginning of Houthi attacks against merchant ships in November 2023. The interdiction also constitutes the first seizure of advanced Iranian-manufactured ballistic missile and cruise missile components by the Navy since November 2019. The direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer of weapons to the Houthis in Yemen violates Security Resolution 2216 and international law. Two Navy SEALs previously reported as lost at sea were directly involved in this operation. “We are conducting an exhaustive search for our missing teammates,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander. The dhow was deemed unsafe and sunk by Navy forces. Disposition of the 14 dhow crewmembers is being determined in accordance with international law. “It is clear that Iran continues shipment of advanced lethal aid to the Houthis.
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