Screen grab from a video released by the Houthi-led Yemeni Interior Ministry.
On September 9, the Interior Ministry of the Sanaa-based Yemeni government, which is led by the Houthis (Ansar Allah), unveiled a new armored vehicle.
Brigadier General Abdul Khaliq al-Ajri, a spokesman for the interior Ministry, said that the vehicle, dubbed “Ba’as-2,” was locally developed. According to the spokesman, the vehicle features a modern design and equipment.
“[Ba’as-2] will be a great source of support for the security personnel, and a deterrent to anyone who might be tempted to harm the security and stability of this country,” Brig. Gen. al-Ajri said.
The Ba’as-2, which was apparently built on the chassis of a pickup truck, is powered by a 352 horsepower V8 engine. The vehicle weights 4,5 tons. It is armed with a turret-mounted DShK 12,7 mm heavy machine gun and a trunk-mounted B-10 82 mm recoilless rifle.
Around two years ago, the Houthis’ Interior Ministry launched the production of the Ba’as-1 vehicle, which is less armed and likely lighter than the new version.
The Houthis has been taking advantage of the ongoing ceasefire in Yemen to boost their military capabilities. The ceasefire, which was brokered by the United Nations, entered into effect on April 2. The ceasefire was set to end on June 2. However, it was extended two times, first until August 2 and then until October 2.
The blockage imposed on Yemen by the Saudi-led coalition and the US have clearly failed to prevent the Houthis from obtaining new capabilities. During a parade that was recently held in the city of al-Hudaydah on Yemen’s western coast, the group showcased several types of anti-ship missiles.
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