Yemen's Houthis look to build ballistic missiles with Chinese parts: Report

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels are attempting to build a new advanced medium-range ballistic missile system with the help of Chinese parts, according to a new report released Wednesday by a group that tracks the use of weapons in conflict zones.

The report by the UK-based Conflict Armament Research group came as the Houthis, in their ongoing war with Saudi Arabia, are demonstrating remarkable ability to wreak havoc on one of the Middle East's best-equipped militaries.

The weaponry under development could help the group more precisely target the Saudis and Israel.

By turning to China, it also appears to be a sign of increasing independence.

The rebels expand their ambition, an analyst says ---------------------------------------------------------- The Houthis have tried to acquire key parts from Chinese suppliers that could be used to make a version of Iran's Kheibar Shekan precision-guided missile, according to the report.

The Kheibar Shekan has a range of roughly 1,200 miles .