US announces: Weapons of Houthis in Yemen seized

CENTCOM released a statement on its website regarding an operation conducted by US naval forces on January 11 against a vessel transporting weapons to the Houthis.

MANY ADVANCED WEAPONS SEIZED

The statement noted that the vessel in question was carrying advanced weapons sent from Iran as part of the Houthis' ongoing attacks on international merchant vessels.

The statement indicated that Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missile components were seized during the operation, which took place in international waters near the coast of Somalia. It was emphasized that these included various components for the Houthis' medium-range ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and air defense systems.

Pointing out that initial analysis indicates the same weapons have been used by the Houthis in attacks in the Red Sea, the statement highlighted that this is the first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied conventional weapons provided to the Houthis since their attacks began in November 2023.

THE SITUATION IN THE RED SEA

The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen began seizing commercial vessels they claimed were linked to Israeli companies off the coast of Yemen on October 31, citing a reaction to Israel's attacks in Gaza, and have also launched attacks on some with drones and missiles.

During this period, US forces have announced multiple times that they have shot down missiles and kamikaze drones launched from Yemen.

Following the Houthis' actions, numerous shipping companies decided to suspend their voyages in the Red Sea. On December 18, the US announced the creation of a multinational "maritime task force" called "Operation Prosperity Guardian" with the participation of a group of countries, citing that global maritime trade security was at risk.

DEMAND TO END ATTACKS IN THE RED SEA

On December 31, three Houthi speedboats attempting to seize a ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea were fired upon by US helicopters. On January 10, the Houthis announced that a US ship in the Red Sea had been targeted with missiles and kamikaze drones on the grounds that it was supporting Israel.

On January 11, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution submitted by the US and Japan demanding an immediate end to the Houthis' attacks in the Red Sea.

Approximately 12 percent of global trade is conducted through the Suez Canal, which offers the shortest route between Europe and Asia by connecting the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.

News Source: AA