The conflict in Yemen is still raging and spilling over into the Red Sea. New developments show a changing trend in drone warfare. The Houthis once almost monopolised drone attacks. Now government forces are also using drones against Houthi positions. They have struck targets in Marib, al-Jawf, Taiz, Hajjah and al-Dhalea. This does not mean the balance of power has fully shifted, but the nature of the fight may change.
π The Backstory
For years the Houthis used drones for asymmetric warfare. They could watch their opponents and strike gatherings, command centres and facilities far from the front lines. Government forces stayed mostly on the defensive. That equation is now changing. Government-aligned forces have shown video of drone strikes on Houthi targets. If this turns into an organised and sustained capability, the confrontation could change shape. The war has spilled over to the Red Sea region as well.
π― Why It Matters
A change in drone use could alter how the long-running Yemen war is fought. It may make the conflict last longer or spread further, affecting shipping and the wider region.
The conflict in Yemen is still raging and spilling over into the Red Sea. New developments show a changing trend in drone warfare. The Houthis once almost monopolised drone attacks. Now government forces are also using drones against Houthi positions. They have struck targets in Marib, al-Jawf, Taiz, Hajjah and al-Dhalea. This does not mean the balance of power has fully shifted, but the nature of the fight may change.
For years the Houthis used drones for asymmetric warfare. They could watch their opponents and strike gatherings, command centres and facilities far from the front lines. Government forces stayed mostly on the defensive. That equation is now changing. Government-aligned forces have shown video of drone strikes on Houthi targets. If this turns into an organised and sustained capability, the confrontation could change shape. The war has spilled over to the Red Sea region as well.
A change in drone use could alter how the long-running Yemen war is fought. It may make the conflict last longer or spread further, affecting shipping and the wider region.