Saudi Coalition: Iranian Boat Seized With Arms For Yemeni Rebels

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iranian-allied Huthi groups in Yemen said it has foiled an attempt by Tehran to smuggle weapons to Yemen by ship.

The coalition said in a September 30 statement that the vessel, which was reportedly seized in the Gulf of Oman on September 26, was carrying various types of shells and rockets and other equipment seemingly destined for Huthi forces.

The statement said the vessel was manned by 14 Iranians and carried papers indicating it was owned by an Iranian national.

The Saudi-led coalition has carried out air strikes since March against the Huthis and other rebel groups, who took over large parts of Yemen last year.

More than 5,400 people have been killed in the country in the past six months and caused tens of thousands of people to be displaced.

The Huthis still hold the country's capital, Sanaa.

Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and other countries have accused Iran of supporting the Huthis, a charge that Tehran denies.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP