US forces sink dhow transporting Iranian missile parts for Houthi rebels
Seized items included propulsion, guidance and warheads for missiles and air defence-associated components. (Photo: US CENTCOM)
The sinking marked the first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons to the non-state military group since the beginning of Houthi attacks against merchant ships in November 2023.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that US Navy SEALs operating from USS Lewis B Puller (ESB 3) sank a small boat transporting ‘advanced lethal aid’ from Iran to resupply Houthi forces in Yemen.
Supported by helicopters and UAVs, SEALs “executed a complex boarding of the dhow near the coast of Somalia in international waters of the Arabian Sea, seizing Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missiles components”, CENTCOM noted in a written statement shared with media on 16 January.
The operation was conducted on 11 January during a flag verification. This is the first seizure of lethal, Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)]()
Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)
In an era of swarming drones, proliferating missiles and saturation attacks, naval air defence must combine cutting-edge effectiveness with low cost per intercept. Israel’s Rafael is applying its long expertise to help navies adapt to emerging threats, while looking to a future of laser technology – and beyond.
-
![US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme]()
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
![Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist]()
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist
Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027]()
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
