Houthis are building their own advanced ballistic missiles using Chinese parts that could strike Israel and all of Saudi Arabia

Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, are working to produce their own version of Iran's precision-guided Kheibar Shekan missile, sourcing components through covert shipments from Chinese suppliers, according to UK-based weapons-tracking group Conflict Armament Research. The Houthi variant is intended to have a range of 1,200 miles — 300 miles beyond that of the Iranian original — bringing all of Saudi Arabia and Israel within striking distance. The findings are based on two shipments intercepted by Yemeni government authorities last year, in which Chinese parts were concealed within general cargo.

Iran deployed the Kheibar Shekan against US military bases during last spring's conflict; the missile is capable of manoeuvring at up to 6,000mph, making it difficult for air defences to intercept.

CAR analyst Fabian Hinz cautioned that the seized items — custom metal components, control fins and rocket motor materials — are 'not goods that can be used for a variety of civilian applications'.

China's embassy in Washington refused to engage with the findings directly, stating that Beijing 'strictly controls the export of dual-use items'.