Key facts
- Yemeni forces conducted drone attacks targeting Houthi positions across multiple fronts.
- Four Houthi drone boats were destroyed by the Yemeni navy near the Hanish and Zaqar islands.
- Government-aligned forces intercepted a dhow carrying advanced drone components allegedly bound for the Houthis.
- The intercepted dhow's cargo included advanced control and guidance systems for explosive drones.
- Sailors arrested on the dhow were linked to a smuggling network operated by Iran's IRGC.
- Funeral processions were held for eight Houthi fighters, suggesting significant recent losses.
Yemen’s military announced it launched drone attacks targeting Houthi positions across multiple fronts, with footage showing drones dropping bombs in the Baqam district. The Yemeni navy also reported destroying four Houthi drone boats near the Hanish and Zaqar islands in the Red Sea.
Government-aligned forces, including the National Resistance, have intensified operations against Houthi threats. Coastguard forces confronted Houthi unmanned surface vessels approaching government-controlled islands. The National Resistance also intercepted a dhow in the Red Sea carrying advanced drone components, which they described as part of ongoing efforts to target weapons and equipment allegedly smuggled from Iran to the Houthis. The seized cargo included control and guidance systems for explosive drones, live-video transmission equipment, and precision electronics.
Several sailors were arrested in connection with the dhow interception and linked to a smuggling network allegedly operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Military experts noted these interceptions highlight Iran's continued support for the Houthis and its efforts to threaten shipping in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait. Years of training for Yemen’s coastguard and naval forces are reportedly yielding results, with several recent interceptions of alleged weapons shipments.
The developments coincide with reports of funeral processions for eight Houthi fighters, suggesting significant recent battlefield losses for the group.