Yemen's Houthi rebels are attempting to develop advanced medium-range ballistic missiles using parts from China, according to a British arms research group.
What happened
The group, Conflict Armament Research, found that the Houthis have moved beyond assembling imported missiles and are now manufacturing key components domestically. Investigators discovered purpose-built missile components alongside shipping documents listing a Chinese supplier, despite the Houthis being subject to a U.N. arms embargo.
The components, which included fin cores, rocket motor parts, and igniters, appear to be parts of the Khaibarshekan-series ballistic missile. The cargo also contained phenolic resin, a material used to make heat shields that protect ballistic missiles during flight. The findings are based on four shipping containers seized by Yemeni authorities in July, which were being transported to the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah.
The Houthis' efforts to build advanced ballistic missiles come as fighting between the group, Saudi Arabia, and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces has intensified in recent months. The Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks against Saudi cities, oil infrastructure, and military facilities, and have declared a naval blockade in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The U.N. Panel of Experts on Yemen has stated that the Houthis have diversified their international procurement and supply chains, including through Chinese suppliers and regional intermediaries. The U.S. Treasury has also sanctioned numerous China-based manufacturers, exporters, and logistics companies for supplying drone components, missile guidance systems, and other equipment to the Houthis.
