Yemen’s internationally recognized government announced its forces conducted airstrikes against Houthi positions in several governorates over the weekend, while Houthi officials claimed to have shot down three Saudi drones. The exchange of military actions occurred amid ongoing conflict for control of territory in the country.
In a statement released late Sunday, the military for the Yemeni government said its warplanes targeted Houthi positions in multiple locations. The specified areas included al-Barah, south of Hodeidah; the western outskirts of Marib; and sites in al-Lubnat, al-Alam, and the al-Jawf governorate. According to the statement, the strikes resulted in “heavy loss of life and equipment.”
On Monday, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that Houthi fighters had downed three Saudi drones within the preceding 24 hours. Saree reported that a CH-4 armed reconnaissance drone was shot down over al-Jawf province while it was engaged in what he described as “hostile activities.” He later added that a Wing Loong II armed reconnaissance drone was shot down over the al-Bayda governorate.
Saudi Arabia did not issue an immediate comment on the Houthi claims.
These events follow a series of airstrikes launched by the Yemeni government on Friday against Houthi positions. Those strikes were initiated as Houthi forces reportedly attempted to advance through western Taiz and southern Hodeidah toward the port of Mocha and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, has been a central point in the conflict. In July, the Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and have conducted attacks on Saudi shipping in the strait. The waterway serves as a significant route for oil exports from the region.
