A delegation from the UN security council including security and other experts is due in Yemen on Friday to help the authorities on investigating an Iranian weapons cargo which was seized in November, the state-run September 26 weekly reported on Thursday quoting a senior Yemeni official.
The visit comes after Yemen officially asked the security council’s Iran sanctions committee to help on the investigation at a time when the government is accusing Iran of providing technical and financial support as well as arms to the Shiite Houthi Group and some factions of the southern movement which are seeking separation.
The authorities have said Iran is seeking to destabilize the country and undermine the West-backed power-transfer deal through sending very dangerous weapons to violent groups and illegal militias, an accusation denied by Iran.
They seized the cargo in November on Jihan 1 vessel and this year revealed it was one of three Iranian arms cargoes; two of which arrived in Yemen and the third is still in the Islamic republic of Iran.
The cargo included very dangerous explosives and anti-aircraft missiles that, according to senior officials, can kill many people and really expose the Iranian plots to harm Yemen’s stability and transition.
Late last year, the authorities seized several arms cargoes including those carrying thousands of Turkish-made pistols and other equipment.
Observers said the cargoes add to other problems affecting the country’s stability and security during the transition such as the uncontrolled spread of arms in civilian hands.
They argued the situation requires quick and strong steps to boost Yemen’s security which largely serves the regional and international security.