Australia: Seized more than 2000 weapons from Houthi rebels

(Baonghean.vn) - The Australian naval ship - HMAS Darwin seized a large quantity of weapons including 1,989 AK-47s and 100 grenade launchers on a stateless fishing boat departing from Iran to Yemen about 170 nautical miles off the coast of Oman.

Image of weapons seized by the Australian Navy.

Lieutenant Ian McConnaughey of the US Navy told CNN that the weapons originated in Iran and were intended for Houthi rebels in Yemen. The exact destination of the fishing boat is under investigation.

An Australian Defense Department spokesman added that there were 18 people of various nationalities on board, but that their identification documents could not be confirmed at first. The crew were released after the weapons were seized, in accordance with international maritime law.

Australian authorities believe the weapons were loaded onto the ship while passing through Somali waters, based on preliminary interviews with witnesses. However, the investigation results may change as new details are discovered.

Thanh Hien

(According to CNN)