The New York Times said on Thursday
that Iran increased its political outreach and arms shipments to rebels and
other political figures in Yemen.
It quoted American military and
intelligence officials as saying that Iran attempts to extend its influence across Yemen.
"The scale of Iran’s involvement
remains unclear, and some Yemeni officials and analysts remain skeptical about
the impact of any weapons shipments, citing a long history of dubious accusations
by Saudi Arabia — Iran’s regional nemesis — and Saudi allies in Yemen" the
newspaper added.
It quoted Yemeni officials as saying
that Iran tried to send to Yemen material used to make explosive devices, known
as explosively formed penetrators, or E.F.P.’s.
" American officials said Iran
supplied the same lethal roadside bombs to insurgents in Iraq during the worst
of the violence there, an accusation that Iran has consistently denied"
the newspaper said.
A Yemeni official told the newspaper that Iran is trying to play a big
role in Yemen.
