US proposes cash rewards to prevent Iran smuggling

The US Navy is offering monetary rewards of up to $100,000 for information that results in the seizure of illegally transported weapons and drugs in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.

Although the 5th Fleet, which is based in Bahrain, did not specifically mention Iran in its initiative, analysts said it was clear that it was meant to stop the flow of Iranian weapons to the Houthi militia in Yemen as well as the lucrative regional drug trade run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

According to Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, spokesman for the 5th Fleet, "Any disruptive action gets our attention." "Undoubtedly, we have observed a sharp increase in success in the recent year in seizing both illegal drugs and unlawful firearms. This is a new step in our efforts to strengthen marine security in the region.

The Navy will also accept tips online in Dari and Pashto, and a phone hotline will be staffed by operators who are fluent in Arabic, English, and Farsi. As much as $100,000 can be offered in rewards, or the equivalent in cars, boats, or food, for information leading to assaults planned against Americans.

Hawkins outlined the weapons and drugs the Navy wanted to intercept as part of the operation when asked whether further seizures could raise tensions with Iran. That's what we're pursuing, he declared. "Realistic stability and security in the region are not served by that."

In 2021, the fleet and its allies alone intercepted the shipment of 9,000 guns, which was three times as many as they did in 2020, and confiscated $500 million worth of drugs, more than they did in the four years prior combined.

Tehran has long been providing the Houthis in Yemen with guns, rocket-propelled grenades, missiles, and other weaponry despite a UN Security Council arms ban on Yemen. Experts from the UN looked at missiles fired at Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure and civilian targets, and they were made up of parts that originated in Iran.

The incentives program is the most recent initiative under Vice Admiral Brad Cooper of the Fifth Fleet, who also established a drone task group last year in response to escalating tensions with Iran. In the Strait of Hormuz, there have been multiple engagements between Revolutionary Guard and US Navy naval forces.

The Houthis announced last week that they were keeping an eye on growing US operations in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea. This leaves options for defense and conflict open, the spokesman said.

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