The US has seized more than “5,000 AK-47s” and “snipe rifles” destined for the Iranian back Houthis militants in Yemen.
The US military said on Tuesday that the weapons and ammunition was captured on Thursday and transferred the arsenal to Kyiv as they are suffering with significant shortages as Congress has blocked a multi-billion dollar aid package.
The US Central Command said the weaponry will help Ukraine defend themselves against Vladimir Putin’s war.
CENTCOM said, “Iran’s support for armed groups threatens international and regional security, our forces, diplomatic personnel, and citizens in the region, as well as those of our partners.
“We will continue to do whatever we can to shed light on and stop Iran’s destabilizing activities.”
Between May 2021 and February 2023 the weapons were seized from four “stateless vessels” that was sent from Iran bound for the Houthis militants in Yemen.
CENTCOM wrote on social media, “The US government transferred over 5,000 AK-47s, machine guns, sniper rifles, RPG-7s and over 500,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to the Ukrainian armed forces.
“These weapons will help Ukraine defend against Russia’s invasion” and are enough material to equip a brigade.”
Since November 2023 the Houthis have been attacking shipping in the Red Sea in response to Israel attacks in Gaza.
