Yemeni government warplanes reportedly struck Houthi positions across multiple provinces, including al-Barah, Hodeidah and Marib, with the military saying the raids caused significant losses. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed his forces shot down three Saudi drones in 24 hours, naming a CH-4 and a Wing Loong II; Saudi authorities had not commented. The fighting is focused on control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a strategic route for international shipping and Saudi oil exports. Independent verification of the parties' claims was not available.
Yemen Escalation: Government Warplanes Strike Houthi Positions As Houthis Claim Downing Of Saudi Drones
Fighters loyal to Yemen's internationally-recognised government ride in a pick-up truck in the Hais district, south of Hodeidah, Yemen on September 5, 2026 [AFP]
Yemeni government forces said their warplanes carried out air strikes against Houthi positions across several provinces, while the Iran-aligned group reported it had shot down multiple Saudi drones.
In a statement late on Sunday, the internationally recognised Yemeni military said aircraft struck Houthi militia positions in al-Barah (south of Hodeidah), on the western outskirts of Marib and at locations in al-Lubnat, al-Alam and the al-Jawf governorate centre. The military statement said the raids inflicted heavy losses in personnel and equipment on the militia.
Houthi Response
Yahya Saree, the Houthis' military spokesperson, said on Monday that Houthi fighters had shot down three Saudi drones in the previous 24 hours. Saree named a Saudi CH-4 armed reconnaissance drone as having been downed over al-Jawf province while conducting what he described as "hostile activities," and later said a Saudi-owned Wing Loong II armed reconnaissance drone was shot down in al-Bayda governorate. There was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities on the claims.
Context
The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July and have carried out attacks on shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Fighting between Houthi forces and the internationally recognised Yemeni government has concentrated on control of this strategic waterway, which is an important route for global trade and for Saudi oil exports. On Friday, government forces said they launched a series of air strikes as Houthi fighters attempted to advance through western Taiz and southern Hodeidah toward al-Makha (Mocha) and the Bab al-Mandeb area.
Claims made by both sides could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.
Observers say the clashes reflect broader regional tensions, but many details — including independent confirmation of downed drones or casualty figures — remain unclear.
Help us improve.
