British Navy Seizes Iran Missiles Likely Headed For Yemen

The British navy says it has seized anti-tank missiles and fins for ballistic missiles during a raid on a small boat heading from Iran likely to Yemen.

The seizure by the Royal Navy announced on Thursday, comes after other seizures by French and American forces in the region.

It also comes as regional and international powers try to find an end to the years-long war gripping Yemen, the Arab world’s poorest country.

Inside the boat, British troops found Russian 9M133 Kornet anti-tank guided missiles, known in Iran as “Dehlavieh”.

British defence minister, Ben Wallace, said; “This seizure by HMS Lancaster and the permanent presence of the Royal Navy in the Gulf region supports our commitment to uphold international law and tackle activity that threatens peace and security around the world.”

Iranian components have helped build a missile arsenal for Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who took control of the country’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014.

The country has long denied arming the rebels, despite physical evidence, numerous seizures and experts tying the weapons back to Iran.