Coordinated efforts amongst USS Gridley (DDG 101), HMS Montrose (F236) and mixed air property led to Royal Navy forces confiscating surface-to-air missiles and cruise-missile rocket engines that originated from Iran, based on an announcement launched by the UK, July 7.
Small boats making an attempt to smuggle the weapons had been intercepted by the Royal Navy in January and February. Gridley’s crew deployed an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter through the February interdiction to offer overwatch.
“We have now a decades-long strategic relationship with the Royal Navy,” stated Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. fifth Fleet and Mixed Maritime Forces. “Our continued collaboration on maritime interdictions within the Center East displays our extraordinary partnership and powerful dedication to regional safety and stability.”
The weapons had been seized alongside routes traditionally used to site visitors weapons unlawfully to Yemen. The direct or oblique provide, sale or switch of weapons to the Houthis in Yemen violates U.N. Safety Council Decision 2216 and worldwide regulation.
U.S. and UK naval forces repeatedly conduct regional maritime safety operations to disrupt the transport of illicit cargo that may assist terrorism and different illegal exercise. U.S. Navy warships working within the Center East seized practically 9,000 illicit weapons in 2021.
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and United Kingdom Maritime Part Command are headquartered in Manama, Bahrain. The 2 instructions repeatedly associate to foster regional maritime cooperation, safeguard key waterways and uphold worldwide rules-based order.
