Classified UN Report: Houthi Missiles Fired at Saudi Arabia Iranian in Origin


PrintEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInCopy Link

Fragments from four ballistic missiles fired into Saudi Arabia this year by Yemen’s Houthi rebels appear to be Iranian in origin, according to a confidential UN report drafted by sanctions monitors obtained by Reuters. “Design characteristics and dimensions of the components inspected by the panel are consistent with those reported for the Iranian designed and manufactured Qiam-1 missile,” the November 24 report states. The report, however, “as yet has no evidence as to the identity of the broker or supplier.” News of this report comes only a day after a Houthi missile fired at the southern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait was reportedly intercepted, according to Saudi news sources.

The Qiam-1 is a single stage liquid-fueled missile that Iran employed for first time on June 18, 2017 to strike ISIS targets in Syria. The missile has an estimated range between 700 and 800 km and can carry a high explosive warhead, submunitions, and may possibly be nuclear capable.