Tehran ship packed with humanitarian supplies heading to rebel-controlled town, despite Washington’s directive that it dock in Djibouti, where aid is being coordinated
Two Iranian warships have joined a cargo ship that Tehran says is carrying supplies to Yemen.
US Army Col. Steve Warren said the ships linked up overnight Monday, setting up a possible conflict as the US insists the supplies go to Djibouti, where the United Nations is coordinating humanitarian aid for Yemen.
A US official said there’s no evidence the Iranian ship is carrying lethal or military aid. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
The vessel, the Iran Shahed, is carrying nearly 2,800 tons of aid including flour, rice, canned food, medical supplies and bottled water, all urgently needed in the conflict-wracked and impoverished state, according to Iran. It is expected to reach port on Thursday, and entered the Gulf of Aden on Sunday.
Passengers on the Iran Shahed include doctors, anti-war activists from the United States, France and Germany, and journalists, according to the Tasnim news agency.
Full article: Defying US, Iranian warships escort cargo vessel toward Yemen (The Times of Israel)
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