The US Navy on Friday seized more than 2,000 assault rifles from a fishing boat. Believed to be bound for Iran-backed rebels in Yemen, US Central Command said in a statement.
The ship, with a crew of six Yemen is, was sailing through the Gulf. Oman on a route often used to transport illegal goods to Houthi rebels. When it was seized by US sailors with 2,116 AK-47 rifles.
“This shipment is part of a continuing pattern of destabilizing activity from Iran.” Said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “This threat has our attention. We remain alert to detect any maritime activity. That impedes freedom of navigation or compromises regional security.”
On December 1, the United States seized more than 50 tons of ammunition, fuses. And rocket propellants from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Oman. Which separates the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula from Iran.
A month ago, the Navy and Coast Guard intercepted a large Iranian shipment of explosives bound for Yemen. According to US Central Command.
The stateless fishing boat was carrying more than 180 tons of urea fertilizer. And ammonium perchlorate when the Coast Guard ship USCGC John Scheuerman. And the Navy guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans approached the Gulf of Oman entrance Nov. 8.
After US military explosives experts examined the boat. And loaded it with explosives and Yemeni crew members. The US military deemed the boat a danger to commercial shipping and sank it.
Iran has long supported the Shia Houthi rebels.
