Yemeni armed forces shot down several Houthi drones over Marib following fresh missile and drone attacks on the eastern city, according to the state-run Saba news agency on Friday. The strikes followed a Houthi military operation in Marib and Hadramawt that drew starkly differing casualty counts from military spokesmen, the Saudi-backed Joint Operations Command, and international press agencies.
Marib Drone and Missile Attacks and Military Clashes
State-run Saba news agency reported that Houthi rebels targeted Marib with fresh missile and drone strikes. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke rising over the city following the aerial assaults. Yemeni armed forces responded by shooting down several drones over the area, as reported by Saba. The Houthi movement did not issue an immediate statement regarding this latest engagement in Marib.
These developments followed a Thursday announcement by Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree. Saree stated that the group executed a large-scale military operation targeting Saudi military build-ups in Marib and Hadramawt. He claimed the operation destroyed military camps, weapons depots, and equipment in the Al-Wadiah area.
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Casualty Discrepancies Across Official and Press Sources
Reporting on the earlier Houthi operation yielded significant differences in reported casualties among military commands and news agencies. Houthi spokesman Saree claimed the operation left hundreds of Yemeni soldiers killed and wounded.
In contrast, the Saudi-backed Yemeni Joint Operations Command confirmed that 17 soldiers and officers died in the Houthi attacks. Meanwhile, the AFP news agency put the death toll higher, reporting at least 58 government troops killed.
Najran Civilian Impact and Coalition Response
The conflict extended across the border into southern Saudi Arabia, where the Saudi-led coalition reported that 11 civilians were wounded in Houthi attacks targeting the city of Najran on Friday. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki described the assault as a Houthi terrorist attack involving indiscriminate projectiles directed at civilian areas.
According to al-Maliki, the injured victims included seven Saudi nationals—among them a woman and a 4-year-old child—along with one Yemeni, two Egyptians, and one Pakistani national. Some victims suffered second-degree burns. Al-Maliki stated that the Joint Forces Command would continue taking necessary measures to respond to the attacks and protect civilians, calling the operation a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the recent escalation in Marib and Hadramawt?
The escalation followed a proclaimed Houthi military operation targeting Saudi military build-ups in Marib and Hadramawt, which subsequently triggered counter-strikes and drone interceptions over Marib reported by the Saba news agency.
How many casualties have been confirmed in the recent fighting?
Casualty figures vary by source: Houthi spokesmen claimed hundreds of casualties, the Saudi-backed Yemeni Joint Operations Command confirmed 17 military deaths, and the AFP news agency reported a death toll of at least 58 government troops.
Who was affected by the cross-border attack on Najran?
The Saudi-led coalition reported 11 civilian injuries in Najran, including Saudi, Yemeni, Egyptian, and Pakistani nationals.
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