Houthis seek Chinese parts for longer-range missiles, report says

Yemen’s Houthi rebels are trying to build longer-range missiles using parts delivered from China, according to an assessment by British arms-tracking group Conflict Armament Research.

The group says the planned weapon would be a version of Iran’s Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile.

The proposed missile could travel about 1,900 kilometres, compared with about 1,450 kilometres for the existing Kheibar Shekan.

That range could put Israel and parts of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries within reach.

The Houthis have already carried out missile strikes in the region, including attacks on Saudi airports and energy facilities, amid renewed fighting with a Saudi-led coalition.

China says it does not supply the Houthis with arms and follows a UN arms embargo on the group.

The reported missile effort could widen the threat to countries farther from Yemen, although the assessment describes an attempt to build the weapon, not a completed missile.

No next steps in the missile program are stated.