Yemen's Houthis use Chinese parts to build Iranian ballistic missile, boost attack range - report
The missile would have a maximum range of approximately 1,200 miles, according to the WSJ. This would put all of Saudi Arabia and Israel in range.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis are reportedly developing a Chinese-made variant of Iran's Kheibar Shekan precision-guided missile, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The new missile could potentially reach all of Saudi Arabia and Israel, with a maximum range of about 1,200 miles, as indicated by data from Conflict Armament Research. The Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by the US and under a UN arms embargo, has been engaged in a civil war with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government since 2014.
According to the report, officials seized missile equipment from Yemen in July, including custom-made metal missile components such as parts of the motor and airframe, fins stabilizing the missile in flight, and elements of a solid-propellant rocket motor. Yemeni authorities also found tools, testing equipment, and raw materials, including materials that protect the missile from heat.
The Houthi's acquisition of these missile parts from China, despite China's claim to be adhering to the UN arms embargo on the Houthis, has raised concerns. While some of the imported materials have civilian uses, others are specifically designed for missile production. Analysts believe that the Houthi's well-camouflaged weapons facilities make it difficult to gauge the extent of their missile production.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
