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Yemen’s Houthi rebels have recently asserted that they possess a new, hypersonic missile in their arsenal, according to reports from Russia’s state media. This development could significantly raise the stakes in their ongoing attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.
The report by the state-run RIA Novosti news agency cites an unnamed official but provides no concrete evidence for the claim. However, the Houthis have been hinting at “surprises” they plan to unleash during naval battles. These surprises are aimed at countering the United States and its allies, who have thus far managed to intercept any missile or bomb-carrying drone near their warships in Mideast waters.
The Houthis’ main benefactor, Iran, also claims to possess a hypersonic missile. Iran has been actively supporting the rebels by providing them with advanced weaponry. Adding a hypersonic missile to the Houthis’ arsenal could pose a more formidable challenge to air defense systems employed by America and its allies, including Israel.
The military official close to the Houthis revealed that their missile forces have successfully tested a weapon capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 8 (eight times the speed of sound). This missile runs on solid fuel and is intended for use during attacks in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and potentially against targets in Israel.
As Moscow maintains an aggressively counter-Western foreign policy amid its ongoing war on Ukraine, the situation in Yemen remains highly volatile. The ongoing civil war pits the Iran-backed Houthis against forces of the internationally backed Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition.
The emergence of a hypersonic missile in the hands of the Houthis adds a new dimension to the Red Sea crisis. It underscores the need for heightened vigilance and strategic responses from regional and international actors. As tensions escalate, the world watches closely to see how this development will impact the delicate balance in the region.
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