(ConservativeJournal.org) – U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) confirmed that American Naval forces seized and destroyed a dhow; type of sailing vessel. The dhow was carrying weapons components from Iran to rearm Yemeni Houthis, according to the military. The Houthis have been engaged in targeted attacks on vessels they believe are connected to Israel, including any that come from or go to its ports.
Navy SEALS from the USS Lewis B Puller were supported by drones and other aircraft when they boarded the dhow off the coast of Somalia in the Arabian Sea discovering Iran-made weapons components. The Navy reported discovery of ballistic and cruise missile parts, as well as warheads for medium range and anti-ship missiles. There were also anti-aircraft defense system components, according to the military.
U.S. officials said that the weapons’ transfer violated international law, and added that two SEALs were lost during the mission. General Michael Erik Kurilla with USCENTCOM added that they were continuing to look for their missing soldiers.
Kurilla declared that the shipment was evidence that Iran was actively sowing discord in the region, in violation of prior U.N. Security Council resolutions. He added that U.S. forces would continue to expose the Iranians and ensure free navigation in vital shipping lanes.
Iran launched missiles on Monday, January 15th, which fell very close to the U.S. Consulate in Erbil, Iraq. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the strike, saying that the building was a headquarters for spies and anti-Iranian terrorists. Several deaths were reported, but no American casualties were indicated. Footage of the aftermath was published on X (Twitter.)
Iran claimed that the attacks were in retaliation for strikes within Iran, including terrorist attacks in the cities of Kerman and Rask. The U.S. regularly hits targets in the region that it blames for attacks on its assets. Iran seems to be imitating the behavior.
National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said that the strikes were “reckless and imprecise,” without elaboration. She further said that the U.S. supports independence and sovereignty of Iraq.
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