On Tuesday 10 th January, 2023 the US Department of Defense confirmed that Vessels of the US Navy 5th Fleet operating in the Middle East have intercepted and seized a fishing vessel carrying over 2,000 AK-47 assault rifles destined for Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The interception occurred in international waters in the Middle East on Friday 6th January when a US Navy boarding team from the Cyclone Class Patrol Ship USS CHINOOK PC 9 initially discovered and seized the weapons with support from her sistership USS MONSOON PC 4 and the guided missile destroyer USS THE SULLIVANS DDG 68. The intercepted vessel was crewed by six Yemeni nationals.
Cyclone Class Patrol Craft (USS WHIRLWIND PC 11) entering Valletta, Malta back to 17th April,2000.
“This shipment is part of a continued pattern of destabilizing activity from Iran,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “These threats have our attention. We remain vigilant in detecting any maritime activity that impedes freedom of navigation or compromises regional security.”
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AK-47’s on US Navy deck photo by US Navy.
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Published – Friday 13th January, 2023.