Last week, a daring raid conducted by the U.S. Navy SEALs resulted in the seizure of Iranian-made missile components and other weaponry intended for Yemen’s Houthi rebels. However, the mission did not come without a cost, as two commandos went missing during the operation.
A Red Sea Incident
In another incident in the Red Sea, a new ship was targeted by suspected fire from the Houthis. Fortunately, there were no casualties, although the vessel did sustain some damage.
Disrupting Weapon Shipments
This recent raid is just one example of the ongoing efforts by the U.S. Navy and its allies to intercept weapon shipments bound for the Houthi rebels. These rebels have escalated their attacks, posing a serious threat to global trade in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The seized missile components are believed to be the same ones used in these attacks.
Escalating Tensions in the Middle East
The series of attacks, retaliatory strikes led by the United States, and this recent raid have significantly increased tensions in the wider Middle East region. In addition to these incidents, Iran has also conducted ballistic missile strikes in both Iraq and Syria.
The SEAL Raid Details
The SEAL raid, which occurred last Thursday, involved commandos launching from the USS Lewis B. Puller with the support of drones and helicopters. The operation took place in the Arabian Sea, with the SEALs utilizing special operations combat craft operated by naval special warfare crew. However, as they attempted to board the target boat in turbulent waters at around 8 p.m. local time, one SEAL was swept away by high waves. A fellow teammate bravely went after him but sadly, both individuals remain missing.
The Findings
During the raid, the SEALs discovered various cruise and ballistic missile components, including propulsion and guidance devices, as well as warheads. Air defense parts were also amongst the items seized. According to Central Command, these weapons have been utilized by the Houthis to threaten and attack innocent mariners on international merchant ships passing through the Red Sea.
Images released by the U.S. military and analyzed by The Associated Press revealed components resembling rocket motors and others that have been previously confiscated. One notable item was an anti-ship cruise missile equipped with a small turbojet engine, a type commonly used by both the Houthis and Iran.
Additionally, the photos featured a warhead similar to those found in Iranian anti-ship missiles, which are based on an earlier Chinese design, as noted by Fabian Hinz, a missile expert and research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Iranian-backed Houthi Seizure of Weapons Raises Concerns
In a recent incident that has sparked concerns, the United States Navy intercepted a ship carrying weapons near Yemen. The ship’s cargo, which included what appeared to be anti-ship warheads, was ultimately deemed unsafe and sunk. The incident highlights Iran’s alleged support of Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Notably, the warhead in question had a sticker reading “GHAD,” which is significant considering Iran’s possession of an anti-ship missile named the Ghadir. Despite mounting evidence of Iran’s involvement and the existence of various arms transfers to the Houthi rebels, Tehran continues to deny any such support.
The seizure of the weapons has drawn international attention, with a United Nations resolution banning arms transfers to the Houthi rebels. However, the rebels have not acknowledged the seizure, and Iran’s mission to the United Nations has yet to address the incident.
This development comes amidst ongoing tension in the Red Sea, where the Houthi rebels have targeted multiple ships. Lamenting Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas, the rebels claim these attacks are a form of retaliation. However, their choice of targets has raised concerns as many of the vessels attacked have tenuous or no clear links to Israel, jeopardizing crucial trade routes.
In a separate incident, a missile struck a bulk carrier named Zografia in the Red Sea. The vessel, managed by a Greek firm, was en route to the Suez Canal when it came under attack. Fortunately, the ship only sustained material damage, and the crew, consisting of Ukrainians, Filipinos, and Georgians, escaped unharmed.
These incidents further escalated tensions in the region, prompting retaliatory airstrikes by the United States and its allies against Houthi positions. In response, the rebels launched a missile at a U.S.-owned bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden, intensifying the risks and complexities of the conflict.
