The Embassy of the Republic of Yemen Denounces Iran’s Continued Illegal Transfer of Arms to Houthi Militias, Recognizes United States’ Support for Peace and Security in Yemen
December 6, 2019
The Embassy of Yemen in Washington, D.C., emphatically denounces Iran’s illegal transfer of arms and weapon components to the Houthi militias in Yemen. The US Department of State announced yesterday that on November 25th, a US Navy warship seized advanced missile parts from an Iranian boat headed to Yemen in brazen disregard for international law. These parts include anti-ship cruise missiles, land-attack cruise missiles, air defense missiles, and anti-tank missiles. The Embassy welcomes the continued support of the United States in combating the Iran-backed Houthi militias and broader Iranian aggression on the Arabian Peninsula.
“Iran has sought to destabilize Yemen for years by supplying sophisticated weaponry and training to the Houthi militias, one of many Iranian terrorist proxies in the region who share their hateful ideology,” said Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen Dr. Ahmed Awad BinMubarak. “The United Nations has prohibited Iran from supplying any of its proxies with weapons, yet Iran continues to violate international law with its campaign of violent imperialism. The Government of Yemen will never allow an Iranian terrorist proxy to threaten its people, and we appreciate the United States’ support in combating this Iranian aggression.”
Iran has provided financial, military and political support to the Houthi rebels since the beginning of the conflict. The UN and other international observers have extensively documented the transfer of Iranian weapon technology and military training to Houthi militias. Iran has smuggled illegal sea mine and landmine components, ballistic missile parts, drone devices and technology, and a massive amount of conventional weaponry and munitions into the arms of the Houthi militias.
The technology and arms in these illegal shipments have becoming more advanced and sophisticated over time, and this most recent seizure showcased the most advanced missile technology sent to Yemen to date, according to Brian Hook, US State Department Special Envoy to Iran.
As Hook explains, “Iran is trying to prolong Yemen’s conflict. The Yemeni people have suffered far too long, and Iran has no legitimate interest in Yemen.”