Yemen's Houthis Possess Large Arsenal of Long-Range Missiles Threatening Israel
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
A Yemeni source reports that the Iran-backed Houthi movement possesses an arsenal of approximately 1,350 ballistic and cruise missiles, some with ranges up to 2,000 kilometers, posing a significant threat to Israel. The group is allegedly developing these weapons with Iranian assistance, utilizing both imported components and local production. Beyond direct attacks on Israel, the Houthi missile capabilities also endanger regional security and international shipping in the Red Sea.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yemen's Houthis reportedly possess 1,350 ballistic and cruise missiles, some reaching 2,000 km.
- Long-range missiles pose a significant threat to Israeli security and infrastructure.
- Iran is allegedly assisting the Houthis in developing and modernizing their missile arsenal.
- The Houthis are reportedly using local production to build missile components.
- Houthi missile capabilities also threaten Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping.
The Houthi movement in Yemen may possess hundreds of long-range missiles capable of reaching Israeli territory, according to new information from a Yemeni source familiar with the group's weaponry. The Iran-backed Houthis reportedly have a significant missile arsenal estimated at around 1,350 ballistic and cruise missiles. Some of these weapons are said to have a range of up to 2,000 kilometers, posing a potential threat to Israel.
The arsenal primarily consists of short and medium-range ballistic missiles, including "Scud" variants, "Tochka" tactical missiles, and North Korean "Hwasong-5" and "Hwasong-6" models. The Houthis also possess cruise missiles that extend their strike capabilities. The source claims that some missiles have been modernized using local resources and with assistance from Iranian and other foreign specialists, increasing their range to approximately 1,000 kilometers, with some reaching up to 2,000 kilometers.
This development is considered a significant threat to Israeli security, as these long-range missiles could strike targets far beyond Houthi-controlled areas. The Houthis have previously demonstrated a willingness to attack Israel with ballistic missiles and drones as part of the broader regional conflict involving Iran-backed groups. While the ability to reach Israel does not guarantee a successful strike, the sheer size of the reported arsenal suggests the Houthis could sustain prolonged attacks even after expending some of their weaponry.
Iran's alleged role in developing the Houthi missile program is a key concern. The Houthis are reportedly using their own production infrastructure, converting steel pipes into missile components and assembling them locally, reducing reliance on direct foreign supplies. Iranian and other foreign specialists are said to be involved in modernizing existing systems and extending missile ranges. This collaboration allows Iran to exert pressure on Israel through its proxies without direct military involvement.
The Houthi missile potential also poses a threat to other Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, and critical infrastructure on the Arabian Peninsula. Furthermore, their actions threaten international shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a vital trade route. Attacks on commercial vessels could disrupt global trade, increase transportation costs, and impact regional economies, which is particularly relevant for Israel due to the strategic importance of its Eilat port.