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Yemen Online
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yemen Online
Yemen's Gov't Condemns Iranian Interference After Seizure of Arms Shipment, Urges International Action
Aden, July 19, 2025 — The Government of Yemen has strongly condemned Iran's continued interference in its internal affairs following the interception of a massive Iranian weapons shipment allegedly destined for the Houthi militia. The shipment, seized by the Yemeni National Resistance Forces in the Red Sea, included over 750 tons of advanced munitions, including cruise missiles, drone engines, radar systems, and air defense equipment. In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as a 'flagrant violation' of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions. The ministry accused Tehran of attempting to destabilize Yemen and prolong the suffering of its people by arming what it called a 'terrorist proxy militia'. 'The Iranian regime continues to defy international norms by funneling weapons into Yemen, threatening regional peace and maritime security,' the statement read. 'We call on the international community, particularly the Security Council, to take firm and immediate measures to deter Iran's destabilizing activities.' The Yemeni government emphasized that the seizure of the shipment—reportedly the largest of its kind—demonstrates Iran's deepening involvement in the conflict and its efforts to turn Yemen into a launchpad for regional aggression. General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, praised the Yemeni forces for their role in the operation, stating that 'Iran remains the most destabilizing actor in the region' and that curbing its support to the Houthis is critical for regional stability. The government's call for international action comes amid renewed Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and growing concerns over Iran's proxy network across the Middle East.
The National
5 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Yemen intercepts 'massive' Iranian weapons shipment bound for Houthis, Centcom says
US Central Command on Wednesday said that Yemeni partners had intercepted a shipment of Iranian weapons bound for the Houthis. In a statement, Centcom, which oversees US military interests in the Middle East, congratulated the Yemeni National Resistance Forces for what it called 'the largest seizure of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in their history'. 'The NRF intercepted and seized over 750 tonnes of munitions and hardware to include hundreds of advanced cruise, anti-ship, and anti-aircraft missiles, warheads and seekers, components as well as hundreds of drone engines, air defence equipment, radar systems and communications equipment,' Centcom said. It added that the NRF had found manuals written in Farsi and that many of the seized systems were manufactured by a company affiliated with the Iranian Ministry of Defence that is under US sanctions. Centcom chief Gen Michael Erik Kurilla commended the NRF. 'The interdiction of this massive Iranian shipment shows that Iran remains the most destabilising actor in the region. Limiting the free flow of Iranian support to the Houthis is critic to regional security, stability, and freedom of navigation,' he said. The NRF is a coalition of former members of the Yemeni Republican Guard and the Central Security Organisation. It backs the internationally recognised Yemeni government, which was deposed in 2014 after the Houthis captured the capital Sanaa. The Houthis, who control much of southern Yemen, are allied with Iran. In support of Hamas in Gaza, the group has been engaged in a continuing conflict with Israel, attacking ships traversing the Red Sea. The US carried out an extensive bombing campaign against the Houthis earlier this year until the attacks on international shipping ceased. But the Houthis have restarted their campaign in the Red Sea, sinking two vessels and killing several crew in recent weeks.
CBS News
5 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Yemen intercepts record number of Iranian weapons bound for Houthis, U.S. CENTCOM says
U.S. Central Command said its Yemeni partners successfully intercepted a "massive Iranian weapons shipment" that was meant to reach the nation's Houthi rebels. The Yemeni National Resistance Forces seized more than 750 tons of munitions and hardware, including hundreds of advanced cruise, anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles, warheads and seekers, CENTCOM said. The seizure also included hundreds of drone engines, radar systems and air defense and communication equipment, as well as manuals written in Farsi, CENTCOM said. CENTCOM said that the National Resistance Forces reported many of the systems were manufactured by a company affiliated with the Iranian Ministry of Defense. The company is under U.S. sanctions, CENTCOM said. This marked the largest seizure of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in the National Resistance Forces' history, CENTCOM said. "We commend the legitimate government forces of Yemen who continue to interdict the flow of Iranian munitions bound for the Houthis," said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM. "The interdiction of this massive Iranian shipment shows that Iran remains the most destabilizing actor in the region. Limiting the free flow of Iranian support to the Houthis is critic to regional security, stability, and freedom of navigation." Yemen's Houthi rebels spent months launching drone and rocket attacks targeting military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The attacks targeted vital shipping lanes. The U.S. conducted several military strikes against the rebel group. In May, President Trump said the group had "capitulated" and that the U.S. would not carry out further strikes. The Houthis did not comment on the alleged agreement at the time. The Yemeni rebels attacked a Liberian-flagged cargo ship in the Red Sea on July 8. Three people were killed, two were wounded and several others were kidnapped. The Houthis also claimed they had attacked and sank another vessel on July 7. The incidents have raised concern that the Houthis may resume attacks in the area.
Al Bawaba
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
US announces catching IS leader in Iraq, Syria operations
Published June 5th, 2025 - 05:30 GMT ALBAWABA - American military officials revealed on Wednesday that they have captured an Islamic State group (IS) leader during international coalition operations in Iraq and Syria. The US Central Command further mentioned that another two IS members were also killed in the ongoing operations, which continue to ban the Islamic group from having an opportunity to rebuild itself. US Central Command posted on X that during the operations, from May 21 to 27, "served to disrupt and degrade" IS's ability to "reconstitute, plan, organize and conduct attacks against civilians and US and partner forces in the region." CENTCOM Supports Partner Forces During Defeat ISIS Operations in Iraq and SyriaU.S. Central Command forces supported partner forces in operations in Iraq and Syria, May 21-27, in support of the ongoing Defeat ISIS campaign. USCENTCOM forces supported six D-ISIS operations,… — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 4, 2025 According to the US military's announcement, six operations were carried out, five in Iraq and one in Syria, during which two IS members were killed, two others were detained, including an IS leader. In addition, the soldiers seized multiple weapons. "Operations like these underscore the commitment of USCENTCOM, along with our allies and partners, to the enduring defeat of ISIS in the region," USCENTCOM Commander Michael Erik Kurilla added. The operations in Baghdad were conducted by Iraqi forces in the north-- within the Salah al-Din Governorate, Kirkuk Governorate, and Al-Fallujah -- where IS members are still active and carry out sporadic attacks against the army and police. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
US military announces detention of Islamic State leader
WASHINGTON - US military officials announced on June 4 the detention of an Islamic State group (IS) leader during international coalition operations in Iraq and Syria which also killed two other operatives. US Central Command (Centcom) wrote on X that the operations, conducted from May 21 to 27, 'served to disrupt and degrade' IS's ability to 'reconstitute, plan, organise and conduct attacks against civilians and US and partner forces in the region'. In the course of supporting six operations in the ongoing campaign, five in Iraq and one in Syria, the US military reported two IS operatives were killed, two were detained – including an IS leader – and multiple weapons were recovered. 'Operations like these underscore the commitment of Centcom, along with our allies and partners, to the enduring defeat of ISIS in the region,' Centcom Commander Michael Erik Kurilla said in a statement. The operations in Iraq were carried out by Iraqi forces in the north, where IS cells have remained active and carry out sporadic attacks against Iraq's army and police. IS in 2014 declared a 'caliphate' after capturing large parts of Iraq and Syria, beginning a rule marked by atrocities. Iraqi forces backed by the international coalition defeated IS in late 2017. The group lost its last territory in Syria two years later. The group has, however, maintained a presence in Syria's north-east where it notably targets Kurdish-led forces, and in Iraq it largely carries out attacks in rural areas. About 2,500 American troops are deployed in Iraq, which now considers its security forces capable of confronting the jihadists. The US and Iraq announced in late September 2024 that the international coalition would end its decade-long military mission in federal Iraq within a year, and by September 2026 in the autonomous Kurdistan region. During his recent Gulf tour, US President Donald Trump met with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia and announced lifting sanctions on Syria. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
