Yemen Monitor/Washington/Exclusive:
A recent report by Axios has revealed that the Pentagon is alarmed by the rapid development of the Houthi movement’s military capabilities in Yemen. The Houthis are now possessing increasingly sophisticated weaponry, including missiles capable of performing “amazing feats,” according to a Pentagon’s chief weapons buyer in a seminar organized by the American news website Axios..
For over a year, the Houthis have been using drones and missiles to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea, a vital global trade route. The US has accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with advanced weaponry, such as drones, boats, and ballistic missiles.
Bill LaPlante, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, expressed shock at the Houthis’ rapid military advancements, stating, “I’m an engineer and a physicist, and I’ve been around missiles my whole career. What I’ve seen the Houthis do in the last six months is something different—I’m stunned.”
The Houthis recently demonstrated their capabilities by launching a coordinated attack on two US Navy destroyers as they transited Bab el-Mandeb strait.
At least eight attack drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and four anti-ship cruise missiles were intercepted, according to U.S. Central Command. There have been no reports of casualties or damage to warships.
The Houthis claim that their naval attacks are in response to the brutal Israeli war on Gaza. However, many of the targets do not have a clear affiliation.
Analysts believe that Iran’s support has been instrumental in the Houthis’ military growth. Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Axios that the Houthis are Iran’s only proxy to possess anti-ship ballistic missiles.
He added that the Houthis’ enthusiasm and Iranian support “have proven to be a lethal combination.”
