The mission sets up a dilemma: Should the U. The officials said their intelligence shows no evidence the Iranian ship is carrying any lethal or military aid. At least five U. The supply ship is moving closer to the Yemen port of Hodeida just as a five-day truce expires between the rebels and the Saudi-led coalition that is backing internationally-recognized President Abed-Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who is now in exile.
The U. Iran had warned last week that it would protect the supply ship. Army Col. Steve Warren said Tuesday that two Iranian warships linked up with the cargo vessel overnight Monday.
As the cargo ship moves closer to Hodeida, the U. An immediate goal is to have U. Less desirable options, officials said, would include letting the Iranian ship dock in Yemen and then urging the Iranians to allow an inspection there. The debate comes as the Saudi-led coalition on Tuesday carried out the heaviest airstrikes on the Yemeni capital since the five-day truce expired earlier this week, hitting weapons depots in the mountains surrounding Sanaa and sending dozens of families fleeing their homes in panic.
The Yemeni conflict has killed 1, people and wounded 7, since March 19, according to U. The estimates also show that nearly a half million people at least have been displaced in the period since the beginning of the fighting until May 7.
Iran warships escort cargo vessel toward Yemen. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
