How powerful are Yemen’s Houthis?
Yemen’s Houthi rebels continue to expand their military capabilities since seizing Sanaa, using Iran-backed equipment, but what is their actual capabilities?
In the wake of US and British strikes against key military sites on Friday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have drawn attention to their significant arsenal, which includes cruise missiles and drones.
Since seizing the Yemeni capital Sanaa in 2014, the Iran-backed Houthis have steadily expanded their military capabilities. Their arsenal, crafted with Iranian equipment or components, comprises ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, according to defense experts.
Ballistic Missiles: Typhoon and Qadr
The Houthis possess ballistic missiles known as Typhoon, a rebranded version of the Iranian Qadr missile, with a range of 1,600 to 1,900 kilometers. While acknowledged as inaccurate, this missile is suggested to potentially reach Israel. Iran tested the Qadr missile in 2016, reaching targets about 1,400 kilometers away.
Cruise Missiles: Quds
The rebels also reportedly have Iran’s Quds cruise missile, with different versions boasting a range of approximately 1,650 kilometers—sufficient to reach Israel. In 2022, the Houthis claimed to use Quds 2 cruise missiles to strike oil facilities in Abu Dhabi, covering a distance of over 1,126 kilometers from northern Yemen.
Drones: Shahed-136 and Samad-3
Yemen’s Houthis, despite claims of domestic production, are accused of utilizing Iranian-supplied components in their drones. Notably, they possess the Iranian Shahed-136 drones, with a range of around 2,000 kilometers. Another drone model in their arsenal is the Samad-3, with an estimated range of 1,600 kilometers. These drones have been employed in attacks on the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Accusations persist regarding Iran’s alleged supply of drones, missiles, and weapons to the Houthis, although the rebels maintain their domestic production claim. The conflict in Yemen remains complex, with geopolitical implications and the ongoing threat of Houthi military actions impacting the region.
Source: AFP
