Acquisition and deployment of ballistic missiles by Yemen's Houthi rebels can be traced back to pre-existing weapons storage facilities, backing from Iran, and illicit arms trade. The recent launch of a ballistic missile targeting Tel Aviv, Israel's vibrant economic center, underscores the capabilities of the Houthis in this regard. Rebel Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi has taken credit for the missile, characterizing it as a "ballistic missile" that successfully bypassed Israel's advanced air defense systems. Although no fatalities were reported, the assault heightened existing regional tensions, especially given the approaching first anniversary of the Gaza conflict initiated by Hamas on October 7.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promptly issued a warning, emphasizing that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels would face severe consequences for their actions. The missile resulted in limited physical damage, including shattered glass at a train station and injuries to several civilians seeking shelter.
However, the symbolic significance of the attack should not be underestimated. The latest escalation involving the Houthis, who are increasingly involved in the Gaza conflict as part of Iran's Axis of Resistance, raises questions about the militia's ability to launch long-range missile strikes.
The origins of the Houthis' missile capabilities stem from historical weapons caches, Iranian support, and arms trafficking. The organization, formally identified as Ansar Allah, transformed from a religious movement originating at the grassroots level in the 1990s to a formidable militia armed with advanced weaponry. Since the commencement of the Yemeni civil war in 2015, the Houthis have depended on three main sources to expand their missile arsenal: Yemeni Government Missiles. During the Cold War era, Yemen was partitioned into North and South, with both factions receiving military support from rival superpowers. The Yemeni government initiated the acquisition of Scud missiles from the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Over time, Yemen's military acquired a range of ballistic and surface-to-air missiles, sourced from North Korea, Iran, as well as Saudi Arabia and the United States. These missile systems were utilized during the 1994 Yemeni civil war and remained accessible to the Houthis as they gained influence in the 2000s, despite being outdated. During the period from 2004 to 2010, the Houthis engaged in multiple incidents of looting government armories, acquiring missiles and other heavy weaponry. Nevertheless, it was not until 2015 that their missile capabilities experienced substantial growth, following an alliance with former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Arms Supply And Tactical Training Provided By Iran
Throughout the Yemeni civil war, the Houthis have heavily depended on Iranian assistance, receiving not only missile components but also instruction in assembly and launch strategies. While Iran has not publicly confirmed their backing, U.S. and allied troops have intercepted Iranian missile deliveries headed to Yemen on numerous occasions.
The Saudi-led coalition, established to aid Yemen's legitimate government, has unintentionally provided weapons to the Houthis due to mishaps and casualties during conflicts. Houthi forces have taken possession of rocket launchers, anti-tank missiles, and other equipment from Saudi forces or their allies.
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