:format(webp)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/grupoclarin/NCBLQN7LQJHL5DRP3H5KGDZYY4.jpg "US commandos seize Iranian weapons intended for rebels in Yemen")
JERUSALEM (AP) — U.S. Navy SEAL commandos seized Iranian-made missile components and other weapons from a ship bound for Houthi rebels in Yemen. Two commandos went missing during the operation, the US command reported Tuesday.
The US Navy and its allies have seized several shipments of weapons destined for the rebels, whose attacks threaten global trade in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden due to Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The components seized are of the type used in those attacks.
Houthi attacks and US retaliation have raised tensions across the Middle East. Iran has attacked Iraq and Syria with ballistic missiles.
The SEAL raid took place last Thursday in the Arabian Sea. The commandos attacked from the USS Lewis B. Puller with support from drones and helicopters, Central Command said.
They found ballistic and cruise missile components, propulsion and guidance devices and warheads, Central Command said. They also found components for anti-aircraft defense.
“Initial analysis indicates that the same weapons have been used by the Houthis to threaten and attack innocent sailors on international merchant ships transiting the Red Sea,” the Central Command said in a statement.
Images distributed by the military and analyzed by The Associated Press show components similar to rocket engines. They also show what appears to be a cruise missile with a small turbo engine, the type used by the Houthis and Iran.
The US Navy sank the ship carrying the weapons because it was deemed unsafe, Central Command said. The 14 crew members were detained.