Navy officials said Sunday that thousands of weapons including sniper rifles, assault weapons and other guns were seized onboard a ship that was likely bound for an illicit delivery to Yemen's Houthi rebels.
"The cache of weapons included dozens of advanced Russian-made anti-tank guided missiles, thousands of Chinese Type 56 assault rifles, and hundreds of PKM machine guns, sniper rifles and rocket-propelled grenades launchers.
defense official told The Associated Press in a statement that while nothing was confirmed, the package of weapons appeared similar to others seized from vessels known to have been supplying Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Iran is thought to be supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen with weapons and other means as the rebels continue their battle with the Saudi Arabia-supported Yemeni government.