According to a statement Thursday from the U.S. Command, the U.S. team seized a shipment of advanced troops from Iran to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
The U.S. team found more than 200 deadly packages on a ship designed to support the Houthis, which had been firing missiles in the Red Sea and disrupting international shipping in the area.
According to Thursday's statement, the U.S. Coast Guard seized unmanned surface vehicle components, explosives, cyber equipment, anti-tank missile launcher components, intermediate-range ballistic missile components and other lethal equipment.
This is yet another example of Iran's malign activities in the region," the commander of the command, General Michael Eric Kurilla, said in a statement. "They continue to direct the Houthis' advanced practices in direct violation of international law and continue to undermine the security of international shipping and the free movement of commerce. ”
Since last November, the Houthis have been firing missiles and carrying out drone strikes on merchant ships in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza and to show solidarity with the Palestinians. Some companies have rerouted their vessels to near the southern tip of Africa due to the impact on transport vessels, which is a longer route and more costly.
The U.S. command also announced Thursday that U.S. forces shot down seven mobile anti-ship missiles, three drones and one drone in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The command said these were destroyed in four attacks to defend U.S. Navy and merchant ships in the area.