Yemen's army conducts air raids on Houthi positions as rebels claim drone shootdowns

Late on Sunday, Yemen’s government air force carried out raids on multiple Houthi militia positions, targeting sites in al-Barah south of Hodeidah, the western fringe of Marib, as well as al-Lubnat, al-Alam and the centre of al-Jawf governorate. The military said the attacks caused significant loss of life and destroyed equipment. The following day, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced that three Saudi drones—a CH-4 and a Wing Loong II—had been shot down in the past 24 hours over al-Jawf and al-Bayda provinces.

Saudi officials have not responded to the claim. The fighting continues over the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which has become a vital conduit for Saudi oil shipments after Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Recent government offensives aim to halt Houthi advances toward western Taiz and southern Hodeidah, including the port city of al-Makha.