(ConservativeSense.com) – The Houthi terror group that is attacking ships in the Red Sea may have access to a hypersonic missile, according to Russian media. The state-run RIA Novosti news agency cited an unnamed official when making the claim, but there is no independent verification or evidence.
The Houthis, a Yemeni Islamist group engaged in civil war in its home country, have primarily used drones in their previous attacks on Western ships but, in recent weeks, said it had a “surprise” in store for its enemies. The group’s primary backer is Iran, which experts say lends some credibility to the possibility that the group may possess a heavy-duty armory.
According to RIA, the Houthis have recently tested missiles “capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 8 and runs on solid fuel.”
Additionally, the Houthis’ leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, has hinted that he plans to increase his attacks and expand beyond the Red Sea. He warned he will carry out assaults along the coast of Africa and toward the Cape of Good Hope on the continent’s southern tip.
A hypersonic missile can travel between five and 25 times the speed of sound and evade Western defenses. The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation notes that the weapons have been in use since the mid-20th century, but modern versions have superior maneuverability. The group says the main threat is not its potential for destruction but its ability to move unseen by standard defense mechanisms.
The Russian news statement also warned that the Houthis intend to attack targets inside Israel, in what experts say would present a significant escalation of the regional conflict.
Houthi rebels began attacking ships in the Red Sea after the terror attack on Israel by Hamas last October. It says it is carrying out the attacks in revenge for Western support of the Jewish state and as a show of solidarity with Hamas. Several major companies now re-route their ships out of the area, adding miles to their journeys.
Copyright 2024, ConservativeSense.com
