Russian anti-material sniper rifle spotted in Yemen

A modern anti-material sniper rifle that appeared to be a Russain-made OSV-96 has been spotted in North Yemen.

Houthi rebels media have released footage shows 12.7mm OSV-96 sniper rifle during attacks on Saudi coalition forces at North Yemen.

Some source reported that OSV-96 sniper rifles developed by the Shipunov Instrument-Making Design Bureau would’ve been part of the limited deliveries of modern Russian arms to the Yemeni Army in the mid-2000s.

The OSV-96, known popularly as “Vzlomshchik” (cracker), is an advanced sniper rifle system that designed to destroy manpower, wearing means of individual protection, unarmored vehicles, radars, missile and artillery systems, and aircraft on the ground, as well as monitor borders, defend coastlines against small vessels, and destroy sea mines.

According to Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, the rifle is capable of engaging infantry at a distance of up to 1800 meters and can combat material targets at ranges up to 2500 meters.

For reference, OSV-96 is used by Russia’s Defense Ministry, Interior Ministry and Federal Security Service.