The US President-elect has won the accolade for second time
world3 days ago
The US Navy said on Saturday it had seized one million rounds of ammunition along with rocket fuses and propellant being smuggled on a fishing trawler from Iran to war-torn Yemen.
The cargo was discovered on Thursday "during a flag verification boarding", the Bahrain-based United States Fifth Fleet said in a statement, noting it was the "second major illegal weapons seizure within a month" along the maritime route.
"This significant interdiction clearly shows that Iran's unlawful transfer of lethal aid and destabilising behaviour continues," Vice Admiral Brad Cooper said.
"US naval forces remain focused on deterring and disrupting dangerous and irresponsible maritime activity in the region."
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized the Yemeni capital Sanaa in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene the following year.
Since then, a grinding war has killed hundreds of thousands and pushed the impoverished nation to the brink of famine.
A UN-brokered ceasefire that took effect in April brought a sharp reduction in hostilities. The truce expired in October, though fighting largely remains on hold.
The fishing trawler intercepted on Thursday was carrying nearly 7,000 rocket fuses and "over 2,100 kilogrammes of propellant used to launch rocket propelled grenades", the statement said.
"The direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of weapons to the Huthis in Yemen violates UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and international law," it added.
Last month the US navy said it had scuttled a boat transporting "explosive materials" from Iran to supply the Huthis, with enough power to fuel a dozen ballistic rockets.
The US President-elect has won the accolade for second time
world3 days ago
This is an important first step in the implementation of a lasting cessation of hostilities and lays the foundation for continued progress, says Centcom's General Kurilla
world3 days ago
A judicial and human rights committee will be established to examine the constitution and then introduce amendments, says new government's spokesman Arnaout
world3 days ago
The latest bloodshed occurred just hours after the UN General Assembly called for an immediate ceasefire in the devastated territory
world3 days ago
Biden and Trump push for Gaza ceasefire and hostage release; negotiations involve US, Egypt and Qatar
world3 days ago
Rebel commander says HTS will seek justice for detainees; Biden envoys travel to Middle East for talks
world3 days ago
The curfew imposed on the capital's residents since Sunday has been relaxed, now starting at 9:00pm instead of 5:00pm and lasting until morning
world4 days ago
Four people were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes on two houses in Gaza City, including journalist Eman Al Shanti and her son
world4 days ago