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Big worry for US and Israel, Houthis new missile capable of penetrating defence systems, becomes more dangerous if targeted by…, they scatter and cause…
Houthi rebels share missile test photos, threaten Israel
The Houthi rebels in Yemen, who control the Ansarullah faction, have released photos of a new missile test along with open threats against Israel. These pictures were shared on social media, showing off what the group claims is a newly developed missile. In recent days, the Houthis have targeted several sites in Israel, including Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. They are also claiming that this new missile might be used in action soon.
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So far, there's no independent confirmation that Yemen has such advanced missile technology. However, Iran's state-run media has reported that Yemen may now possess this capability.
It's important to note that the idea of one missile hitting multiple targets isn't new. Countries like the United States, Russia, and France had already developed this kind of technology decades ago. Known as MIRV, Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle, this system allows a single missile to carry and release several warheads at once. The U.S. had developed MIRV-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) back in the 1970s, and Russia followed suit shortly after.
MIRV Missile threat grows beyond nuclear powers
Nuclear-armed nations like the U.S. and Russia already possess advanced MIRV (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle) ballistic missiles, which can be launched from land or submarines. These missiles can travel long distances and strike multiple targets in one go. Apart from them, France and China also have MIRV-equipped missiles. India is developing similar capabilities for its Agni missile series, and Pakistan is working on its own version, the Ababeel missile.
For nuclear powers, owning MIRV technology is not unusual. But if a group like Yemen's Houthi rebels were to gain access to such advanced systems, it could pose a serious threat not just to Israel, but also to nearby countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE.
Where did the Houthis get this technology?
The Houthi rebels in Yemen have become more aggressive and better equipped with time. They have targeted several ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. At the same time, they have also carried out attacks against Israel. Even after heavy airstrikes by American fighter jets and aircraft carriers, the Houthi leadership based in Sana'a continues to launch attacks without backing down.
One major sign of their growing military capability was seen back in 2022, when the Houthis used a swarm of drones, multiple drones flying together, to attack Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil refinery. This was the first time such a tactic had been used by them.
Now, as they claim to have access to even more powerful missile technology, the big question is: how did they get it? Though there are no clear answer to this, many experts believe that their long-standing ties with Iran could be the reason. Iran is known to support the Houthis with weapons, training, and advanced military tools.