Cairo: The Yemeni government has urged the UN to take “firm” steps to stop smuggling of Iranian weapons to the country’s Al Houthis, days after the US disclosed seizing a ship carrying arms heading to the Yemeni militia.
“The international community, the UN and security Council are called upon to save the Yemeni people from Iranian interference and to take firm measures to stop smuggling of Iranian weapons to Al Houthis as a violation of all international laws,” Yemeni Information Minister Muammar Al Eryani said on his Twitter account.
“US Navy confiscation of Iranian arms shipment of missile parts destined for Houthis in Arabian Sea confirms continued smuggling of weapons by Iran to kill Yemenis, target neighbouring countries &threaten regional and international shipping and security,” he added Saturday.
“International community should recognise that Iran continues to smuggle weapons to Houthis, the militia is developing its military capabilities, which rely on Iranian-made missiles and drones,” the official said.
The US confiscation of the shipment comes amid efforts to end Yemen’s years-long war that has pushed the impoverished country to the verge of starvation.
Yemen has been in the grip of a ruinous war since late 2014 when Iran-aligned Al Houthis toppled the internationally recognised government and seized the capital Sana’a.
Months later, an Arab military coalition, co-led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, started a campaign in Yemen against Al Houthis at the request of the government there.
