Podcast, Essential Middle East
News|Weapons

Who is smuggling weapons to Yemen?

Essential Middle East examines why some countries may be supplying arms to the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Thousands of AK-47 assault rifles on the flight deck.
Thousands of AK-47 assault rifles on the flight deck of guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans during an inventory process, after they were reportedly seized from a fishing vessel in international waters of the Gulf of Oman. [Navcent Public Affairs / US NAVY / AFP]
Published On 19 Jan 2023

In recent weeks, the United States Navy intercepted a fishing vessel smuggling more than 2,000 assault rifles in the Gulf of Oman on a maritime route from Iran to Yemen. Reports suggest the weapons were bound for the Houthi rebels who have controlled most of Yemen since 2014. Iran has long supported the Houthis in their conflict in Yemen and abroad but has denied supplying the group with arms. Meanwhile, Oxfam said that United Kingdom and US weapons provided to Saudi Arabia were directly used in attacks on civilians in Yemen.

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In this episode: 

  • Abubakr Al-Shamahi (@ShamahiAbubakr), Al Jazeera English Digital’s Middle East and North Africa editor

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by our intern Nada Shakir. Our sound designer is George Alwer. The lead engagement producer is Aya Elmileik and the assistant engagement producer is Munera Al Dosari. Our recording engineer is Hamdi Aoun. Our executive producer is Omar Al Saleh. Ney Alvarez is the head of audio. The show is hosted by Sami Zeidan. 

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Source: Al Jazeera