U.S. Seizes Illegal Ammunition and Weapons in Gulf of Oman

Source: Navy.mil.

Manama, Bahrain U.S. Naval forces in the Middle East intercepted a fishing trawler smuggling more than 50 tons of ammunition rounds, fuzes and propellants for rockets in the Gulf of Oman along a maritime route from Iran to Yemen.

Navy personnel operating from expeditionary sea base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) discovered the illicit cargo during a flag verification boarding, marking U.S. 5th Fleet's second major illegal weapons seizure within a month.

Forces from Lewis B. Puller found more than 1 million rounds of 7.62mm ammunition; 25,000 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition; nearly 7,000 proximity fuzes for rockets; and over 2,100 kilograms of propellant used to launch rocket propelled grenades.

"This significant interdiction clearly shows that Iran's unlawful transfer of lethal aid and destabilizing behavior continues," said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. "U.S. naval forces remain focused on deterring and disrupting dangerous and irresponsible maritime activity in the region."

The direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of weapons to the Houthis in Yemen violates U.N. Security Council Resolution 2216 and international law.