AiBot
In a move that has sparked concerns among Western intelligence agencies, the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen has been conducting secret tests aimed at upgrading the range and accuracy of its missiles, sources have revealed.
According to two individuals with intimate knowledge of the situation, who spoke to The Jerusalem Post on Monday, the Houthis have been exploiting the current ceasefire between Israel, the US, and Iran to further their military capabilities. This development has significant implications for regional security, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions between Israel and its neighbors.
The intelligence sources stated that the recent tests involved various missile types, including those with purportedly extended ranges. Notably, the Houthis’ recent activities diverge from their historical pattern of launching limited and infrequent attacks against Israel. Prior to March 28, the group had largely refrained from engaging in hostilities against Israel, unlike other Iranian proxy entities like Hezbollah.
However, since resuming their attacks, the Houthis have launched around six missiles and five drones towards Israel. Notably, their decision to restart hostilities followed the conclusion of the Gaza ceasefire agreement last October. At the time, the Houthis announced that they had suspended all attacks. The recent uptick in Houthi aggression has led some to speculate that the group may be seeking to bolster its regional influence.
Last week, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi sent a clear warning to Israel that his group would intervene militarily in support of Hamas if the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a new operation in the Gaza Strip. This threat underscores the potential for greater instability in the region, further necessitating vigilance and caution from Western governments and their regional allies.
As the situation in Yemen and the broader Middle East continues to evolve, observers will closely monitor developments related to the Houthis’ military capabilities. The intelligence community will likely remain vigilant for any signs of potential threats, including an increased threat level, as a result of the Houthis’ upgrading of their missile capabilities.