Yemeni Army Says Houthi Weapons Threaten Civilian Aviation in Southern Red Sea

Yemen's army said Houthi forces have converted Iranian-supplied air-defense weapons into heat-seeking cruise missiles capable of remaining airborne for up to 25 minutes, warning that the modified weapons pose a threat to civilian aviation over the southern Red Sea.

Military officials said the converted systems represent an escalation in the capabilities available to the Houthi movement, raising concerns about the safety of flights and other aircraft operating in the region.

The Houthis have controlled large parts of northern Yemen for years and have previously targeted shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, drawing international attention to the security of one of the world's busiest maritime corridors.

The Yemeni army's warning adds to broader concerns among regional and international observers about the proliferation of increasingly sophisticated weaponry among non-state armed groups in the area.

No independent confirmation of the specific technical claims was immediately available, and the report reflects the assessment provided by Yemeni military sources.