The United States has provided Ukraine with small arms and ammunition that were seized while en route from Iranian forces to Tehran-backed rebels in Yemen, the US military announced on Tuesday, April 9. The transfer, which occurred last week, comes as Ukraine faces significant ammunition shortages and as US Republican lawmakers block new aid funding for the country.
The weapons delivery includes over 5,000 AK-47s, machine guns, sniper rifles, RPG-7s, and more than 500,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, enough to equip a brigade, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
These weapons, seized between May 2021 and February 2023 from stateless vessels, were intended for Yemen's Huthi rebels by Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The US government obtained ownership of the munitions on December 1, 2023, through the Department of Justice's civil forfeiture claims.
CENTCOM emphasized that Iran's support for armed groups threatens international and regional security and vowed to continue efforts to stop Iran's destabilizing activities.
While this transfer provides valuable support, it does not address Ukraine's need for crucial artillery and air defense munitions. Republican lawmakers have blocked a $60 billion support package in the US Congress, delaying funding for these essential items.
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