Interceptor caused Houthi missile to break up in air; IAF finds it was not hypersonic as claimed by rebels

The ballistic missile launched by the Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen at central Israel this morning was hit by an interceptor missile, although it did not manage to completely destroy the target, according to an Israeli Air Force probe.

The missile had been identified upon launch from northwestern Yemen early this morning, and the Arrow long-range defense system was activated to intercept it. Several interceptor missiles were launched at the target in attempts to down it.

At least one of the Arrow interceptors hit the missile, but did not destroy it completely, the probe finds. Instead, the interceptor caused the Houthi missile to break apart in the air, and the warhead, as well as other pieces, fell to the ground.

The missile shrapnel impacted open areas in the Ben Shemen forest, close to Kfar Daniel, sparking a fire. Shrapnel from the interceptors also hit a train station near Modiin, causing slight damage.

The IAF found that the missile, which had a straight trajectory, was not a hypersonic projectile, as the Houthis claimed.