Maritime Security and Weapons Smuggling Near Yemen

Two events took place this year off the coast of the Arabian Peninsula that highlight persistent maritime security issues in the waters near Yemen. In early January, it was reported that the US Navy intercepted a shipment of assault weapons that were en route to a Yemeni port. This was only the latest case of the US military capturing arms bound for the country, but it is hardly the only such seizure. On November 8th, 2022, a press release issued by the US Navy announced a seizure of explosives that were found aboard a fishing boat in the region.