U.S. Navy intercepts a ship with missile components near Somalia’s shore

16 January, 2024 Seized weapons components on a vessel detained by the Americans off the coast of Somalia. January 2024. Photo: CENTCOM

The U.S. Navy intercepted a vessel off the coast of Somalia that was carrying Iranian missile components to Yemen. This is reported in today's statement of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

This is the first confiscation of components for Iranian-made missiles since the Houthis started attacking ships in the Red Sea on November 19. The ship was sunk. Two American servicemen who participated in the operation are currently being searched for.

U.S. Navy Marines operating from the LEWIS B PULLER destroyer, supported by helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, boarded a ship off the coast of Somalia in the international waters of the Arabian Sea.

A vessel detained by the Americans off the coast of Somalia. January 2024.

Photo credits: CENTCOM

"The components of Iranian-made ballistic and cruise missiles have been seized," CENTCOM said. The seized items include engines, guidance systems, and warheads for medium-range ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles. Initial analysis indicates that the same weapon has been used by the Houthis to attack sailors on international merchant ships transiting the Red Sea.

It is also the first US Navy confiscation of advanced components of Iranian-made ballistic missiles and cruise missiles executed since November 2019. It is noted that the direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer of weapons to the Houthis in Yemen violates UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and international law.

Seized weapons components on a vessel detained by the Americans off the coast of Somalia. January 2024.

Photo: CENTCOM

The US Navy recognized the vessel as unsafe and sank it. The fate of the 14 crew members is being determined in accordance with international law. "Iran obviously continues to supply modern lethal aid to the Houthis.

This is another example of Iran actively sowing instability throughout the region, in direct violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and international law," General Michael Eric Curilla reported.