A U.S Coast Guard cutter has intercepted a vessel loaded with advanced conventional weapons and lethal aid in the Arabian Sea. The shipment allegedly originated in Iran and was bound for Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
The vessel was intercepted on January 28th by the USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr, a Sentinel-class fast-response cutter assigned to the U.S Central Command (CENTCOM) and homeported in Manama, Bahrain.
Upon inspection, the boarding team discovered over 200 packages containing a range of military equipment. These included medium-range ballistic missile components, explosives, unmanned underwater/surface vehicle (UUV/USV) components, military-grade communication and network equipment, anti-tank guided missile launcher assemblies, and other military components.
According to a report released by the Department of Defense this month, between 2015 and 2023, at least 18 Iranian smuggling vessels have been intercepted by the United States and its allies. These seizures have included ballistic missile components, UAVs, antitank guided missiles, and thousands of other illegal weapons en route to the Houthis and used for attacks on shipping and throughout the Middle East.
The supply, sale or transfer of such aid violates U.N. Security Council Resolution 2216 (as extended and renewed by resolutions 2675 and 2707).
“This is yet another example of Iran’s malign activity in the region, ” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander. “Their continued supply of advanced conventional weapons to the Houthis is in direct violation of international law and continues to undermine the safety of international shipping and the free flow of commerce.”
CENTCOM reaffirms its commitment to working with allies and partners to counter the flow of Iranian lethal aid in the region through all lawful means including U.S. and U.N. sanctions and through interdictions.
Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update
Essential maritime and offshore news, insights, and updates delivered daily straight to your inbox
The US Navy continues to strengthen its southern border security presence with the deployment of USS Stockdale (DDG 106), which departed Naval Base San Diego on April 11, 2025. The...
Following last week’s executive order on restoring America’s maritime dominance, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a landmark partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New York...
The U.S. Coast Guard’s Homeport portal, a critical online platform for maritime operations since 2005, was permanently taken offline on April 12, 2025, leaving the maritime industry scrambling to adapt...
Subscribe to gCaptain Daily and stay informed with the latest global maritime and offshore news
Stay informed with the latest maritime and offshore news, delivered daily straight to your inbox
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
