US captures armed ship bound for Yemen

WASHINGTON

The U.S. Navy seized a flagless dhow in the Arabian Sea that was allegedly carrying weapons from Iran to Yemen, American Central Command said Monday.

“The illicit cargo included 1,500 AK-47s, 200 RPG launchers, and 21 .50 caliber machine guns,” Central Command said in a statement.

“The weapons are now in U.S. custody awaiting final disposition.”

The Navy said that the ship and its crew were allowed to depart after the weapons were taken in accordance with the rules of engagement that prevent western naval forces to detain a crew alongside illicit cargo.

The seizure on March 28 was the third of its kind in recent weeks that the U.S. believes “to have originated in Iran”. Previous captures involved the French and Australian navies.

The Pentagon said Iran is supporting Shia Houthi rebels in Yemen against a Saudi Arabia-led coalition that intervened to secure the UN backed government.