Highlight
The Saudi Arabian-led Coalition released a statement on Wednesday 30th September 2015 saying it had intercepted an Iranian fishing boat in the Arabian Sea loaded with weapons destined for Shiite rebels in Yemen.
Weapons seized included 18 anti-armored Concourse shells, 54 anti-tank BGM17 shells, 15 shell battery kits, four firing guidance systems, five binocular batteries, three launchers, one launchers’ holder and three batteries. All 14 Iranians intercepted on the boat were released but weapons including anti-tank shells which were found on board were confiscated.
Summary
Saudi Arabia and its coalition allies have repeatedly accused their Shiite rival Iran of arming the Huthi rebels who control swathes of Yemen, including the capital.
However, in the past, Yemen government allies have never found tangible evidence to pin Iran on suspicion that Tehran is actually aiding Huthi rebels fight the government.
The latest interception however points accusing fingers to Tehran for providing militant as well as arms support to the rebels. It said that papers found on the boat showed that it was registered to an Iranian and was licensed for fishing by the Iranian authorities.
All 14 Iranians intercepted on the boat were released but weapons including anti-tank shells which were found on board were confiscated. Weapons seized included 18 anti-armored Concourse shells, 54 anti-tank BGM17 shells, 15 shell battery kits, four firing guidance systems, five binocular batteries, three launchers, one launchers’ holder and three batteries.
The Saudi Arabian-led coalition intervened in the Yemen crisis in support of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi when the rebels advanced on his last refuge Aden in March, prompting him to flee the country.
