Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, has reportedly obtained powerful Russian anti-ship missiles, raising concerns about the group’s capabilities and intentions. Sources familiar with Hezbollah’s arsenal revealed that the group possesses the Russian-made Yakhont missile, which has enhanced anti-ship capabilities.
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, recently issued a warning to the United States, stating that they have something in store for U.S. warships deployed in the region. Analysts believe that Nasrallah was referring to the group’s enhanced anti-ship missile capabilities, including the Yakhont missiles.
It is reported that Hezbollah acquired these missiles in Syria more than a decade ago, while assisting President Bashar al-Assad’s forces in the civil war. However, the group has never publicly confirmed possessing the Yakhont missiles, and their media office did not comment on the reports.
The presence of U.S. warships in the Mediterranean is intended to deter Iran and prevent the escalation of the conflict between Hamas and Israel. However, Hezbollah views these warships as a direct threat and claims to be prepared to defend themselves against them.
U.S. officials are taking Hezbollah’s capabilities seriously and have deployed naval defenses to counter any incoming missiles. Nasrallah’s warning is considered one of his strongest yet, as Hezbollah has been previously accused of being involved in attacks on U.S. targets.
The Yakhont missiles in Hezbollah’s arsenal pose a significant risk to U.S. warships due to their low-altitude approach and stealth capabilities. The acquisition of these missiles highlights the dangers of a regional conflict and the potential for a major escalation if they are used against hostile warships.
Neither the Russian nor Syrian governments have confirmed the reports of Hezbollah’s possession of Yakhont missiles, adding to the ambiguity surrounding the situation. However, these reports serve as a reminder of the complex dynamics in the region and the need for continued vigilance to prevent further destabilization.
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