Aden: The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that Yemeni partners successfully intercepted a significant Iranian weapons shipment intended for the Houthi militia.
According to Kuwait News Agency, CENTCOM congratulated the Yemeni National Resistance Forces (NRF), led by Gen. Tareq Saleh, for achieving the largest seizure of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in their history. The NRF managed to intercept and seize over 750 tons of munitions and hardware. This included hundreds of advanced cruise, anti-ship, and anti-aircraft missiles, warheads and seekers, components, as well as hundreds of drone engines, air defense equipment, radar systems, and communications equipment. The NRF reported finding manuals in Farsi, noting that many of the systems were manufactured by a company affiliated with the Iranian Ministry of Defense, which is sanctioned by the United States. The illegal shipment was reportedly intended for the Iranian-backed Houthis.
The NRF's actions align with the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) and demonstrate their commitment to ensuring a secure Yemen, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, lauded the NRF's efforts, stating, "We commend the legitimate government forces of Yemen who continue to interdict the flow of Iranian munitions bound for the Houthis." He further emphasized that the interdiction of this substantial Iranian shipment indicates Iran's role as a destabilizing force in the region. "Limiting the free flow of Iranian support to the Houthis is critical to regional security, stability, and freedom of navigation," he added.