U.S. Navy Warship Steams Toward Yemen

 

According to this report, the Iranian ships are believed to be transporting weapons to the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. There are nine U.S. ships in total in the area. 

 

The deployment brings to nine the number of U.S. warships in the area. The Iranian convoy is comprised of nine ships, including two patrol boats, a senior U.S. defense official reportedly told AFP, saying its exact destination was unknown.

 

Citing two unnamed defense officials, USA Today reports that the ships are also tracking "a convoy of Iranian ships headed to the Gulf of Aden."

 

However, Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steven Warren denied reports the U.S. warships have orders to intercept the Iranian vessels.

 

Navy officials said Monday that the Roosevelt was moving through the Arabian Sea. A massive ship that carries F/A-18 fighter jets, the Roosevelt is seen more of a deterrent and show of force in the region.

 

The US Navy said it "has increased its presence in this area as a result of the current instability in Yemen and the goal of this operation was to "ensure the vital shipping lanes in the region remain open and safe" and maintain "security in the maritime environment,"  says a statement from the Navy.

 

Western governments and Sunni Arab countries say the Houthis get their arms from Iran. Tehran and the rebels deny that, although the Islamic Republic has provided political and humanitarian support to the Shiite group.

 

The Fox news has reported that the U.S. Navy has been beefing up its presence in the Gulf of Aden and the southern Arabian Sea amid reports that a convoy of about eight Iranian ships is heading toward Yemen and possibly carrying arms for the Houthis.