UN finds proof of Iran link to Yemen missiles
AL HOUTHI PROJECTILES SIMILAR TO THOSE PRODUCED IN IRAN
Yemen’s Al Houthi militia is still arming itself with ballistic missiles and drones that “show characteristics similar” to Iranianmade weapons, a report by a UN panel of experts has found.
In a confidential report to the Security Council, a copy of which was seen by AFP on Monday, the panel said it “continues to believe” that short-range ballistic missiles and other weaponry were transferred from Iran to Yemen after an arms embargo was imposed in 2015.
Iran has repeatedly denied that it is arming the Al Houthis in Yemen, but the United States and Saudi Arabia have accused Tehran of providing military support to the rebels.
Iranian markings
Recent inspections of weaponry, including missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used by the Al Houthis “show characteristics similar to weapons systems known to be produced in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said the 125page report.
During recent visits to Saudi Arabia, the panel was able to inspect debris from 10 missiles and found markings that suggest an Iranian origin, said the report spanning January to July this year.
“It seems that despite the targeted arms embargo, the Al Houthis continue to have access to ballistic missiles and UAVs to continue and possibly intensify their campaign against targets in Saudi Arabia,” said the report.
The panel said there was a “high probability” that the missiles were manufactured outside of Yemen, shipped in sections to the country and re-assembled by the Al Houthis.
The experts are also investigating information that the Al Houthis received from Iran a monthly donation of fuel valued at $30 million. Iran has denied providing any financial support to the Al Houthis.
Russian connection
During the inspections of the missile debris, the experts mandated by the council also found power converters produced by a Japanese company and Cyrillic markings on components that suggested a Russian link.The investigation of those findings continues.