LOC02:53
23:53 GMT
WASHINGTON, April 4 (KUNA) -- The US Navy has intercepted a shipment of weapons in the Arabian Sea on board a dhow which it assessed "originated in Iran and was likely bound for Houthi" militants in Yemen.
The weapons, which were seized on March 28, included 1,500 AK-47s, 200 RPG launchers and 21 .50 caliber machine guns, read a Department of Defence statement on Monday.
A US Navy vessel was operating as part of the international naval patrol forces deployed in the waters of the Arabian Sea.
The interception was described as having occurred for the "third time in recent weeks" by international naval forces patrolling these waters.
On February 27, the Royal Australian Navy intercepted a dhow with "nearly 2,000 AK-47 assault rifles, 100 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 49 PKM general purpose machine guns, 39 PKM spare barrels and 20 60mm mortar tubes.
Later on March 20, the French Navy yielded almost 2,000 AK-47 assault rifles, 64 Dragunov sniper rifles, nine anti-tank missiles and other associated equipment. (end)
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