Has a Chinese DF missile been used for the first time in the Middle East?

Debris from a Chinese-made DF-15A short-range ballistic missile has been discovered in Yemen, marking the first confirmed use of the weapon in the Middle East. The booster stage of the missile, bearing the inscription "DF-15A," was found in the Raghwan district of Marib governorate, approximately 170km from Sanaa. This marks the first time a missile from the Dongfeng series, known for ranges up to 900km, has been used in the region.

While China is the only confirmed operator of the DF-15 family, there have been reports of its potential transfer to countries like Egypt, Pakistan, and Syria. The discovery follows intensified fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, with both sides reportedly using Chinese-designed ballistic missile infrastructure.

The missile's operation was likely covert, as Saudi Arabia has not publicly acknowledged its use. The discovery suggests Saudi Arabia may have imported and operated the Chinese-made missile, following its previous acquisition of the DF-3A intermediate-range ballistic missile from China in the late 1980s. The Houthis, primarily incorporating Iranian technology, do not have the capability to intercept such weapons.

The discovery of the missile debris in Yemen's Marib region remains unclear, but it may have resulted from a stage separation or missile breakage during flight.