Yemeni government forces have begun using remotely operated, reusable drones to attack Houthi fighters and positions on several fronts, following Houthi one-way drone attacks on government military camps and gatherings last week that killed and injured dozens of soldiers.
The shift marks a growing role for drones in Yemen’s decadelong conflict. Government units have released footage showing drones tracking targets, dropping munitions, destroying armoured vehicles and damaging hideouts, while experts say the Houthis still possess the more advanced overall drone and missile capability.
How the government’s drone campaign works
Government-aligned forces have reported drone operations in Marib, al-Jawf, Taiz, Hajjah and al-Dhalea, as well as on other fronts. The aircraft are predominantly remotely operated and reusable, allowing them to observe targets, drop munitions and return for further missions when operations go as intended.
A Yemeni researcher cited in the source report said military experts had modified aircraft originally designed for civilian use. The modified drones can conduct reconnaissance, identify targets and drop munitions. Officials have not disclosed the models, ranges or technical capabilities of the drones displayed by the Ministry of Defence last month.
Related coverage: Missile and drone attacks hit Marib and al-Makha.
Why the Houthis remain more capable overall
The Houthis have used drones for years to monitor opponents and attack gatherings, command centres and facilities beyond the front lines. Their arsenal includes short-range systems, reusable attack drones and long-range one-way unmanned aircraft, with reported Iranian technological assistance and experience in modifying the systems.
The Qasef family, similar to Iran’s Ababil-T design, can carry a reported 30kg warhead in one-way attacks. The Sammad-3 has a reported range of about 1,500km and can carry 18kg of explosives. The source report also described indications of fibre-optic-controlled first-person-view drones and intercepted components intended for such systems.
What the change could mean on the battlefield
Government drone use could improve the tactical balance if its current intensity and coordination continue, according to Yazeed al-Jeddawy of the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies. The spread of drone footage from multiple government-aligned groups suggests the capability is no longer confined to only a few units.
More context: Yemen government reports deadly Houthi missile attack on al-Makha.
The new campaign could expose Houthi movements and positions, restrict their activity and affect fighter morale. Houthi media outlets reported that 84 Houthi fighters, including 28 field commanders, were killed in about one week this month, but that account is presented as a Houthi media report rather than an independently confirmed total.
The development does not guarantee a government victory. Experts described Yemen’s use of drones as far smaller and less sophisticated than Ukraine’s industrialised drone warfare, although inexpensive unmanned aircraft are beginning to function as more ordinary weapons for small units along Yemen’s relatively static front lines.
Also read: Yemen says Houthi attack on Tihamah killed six.
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