An Iranian Vessel carrying weapons for the Houthis disappeared in the Red Sea
A ship carrying missile parts disappeared near Yemen and may have been intercepted by the US Navy.
Arab media reported that an Iranian ship carrying weapons and experts disappeared in the Red Sea on its way to the Houthis in Yemen. The ship, which was carrying missile assembly equipment. Disappeared for four days after entering the Red Sea from the Horn of Africa. The disappearance caused concern among the Houthi leaders in Sana’a, who feared that the ship would fall into the hands of the Americans.
According to the UAE newspaper Al Ain News, a vessel smuggling foreign experts and military materials to produce missiles destined for the Houthis in Yemen disappeared in the Red Sea. The UAE newspaper wrote: “Iranian experts and senior Houthi security leaders participated in a special meeting in Sana’a to review. Also, discuss reports of the disappearance of a large vessel in the Red Sea.”
Yemeni security sources revealed that the Houthi militia lost contact with the large transport ship. That involved carrying out smuggling missions from the Horn of Africa country through regular sea route. Then continuing to the Red Sea. A Yemeni security source also confirmed that the ship was expected to arrive in Yemen on Friday. But disappeared on Saturday.
Further Details
The Houthis, who lack a strong navy, dispatched small boats and drones to search. But, their robust navy lacked the technology required for such operations. No distress signal was found.
For years, Iran has been accused of providing the Houthis with weapons and expertise needed to develop long-range missiles and drones. The U.S. Navy and other international forces sometimes intercept these shipments, which are often disguised as merchant vessels.
Iranian media Iran International speculated that the ship may have been the target of a U.S.-backed mission to protect Red Sea ships from attacks launched by the Houthis. As a result of the blockade they have imposed since November last year. Another possibility suggests that Israel may be behind the operation that led to the ship’s disappearance.
