DID Press: Military developments in Yemen over the past several hours indicate escalating clashes on multiple fronts, the downing of a Saudi armed reconnaissance drone in Hajjah province, reported drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, and continued advances by Sanaa-aligned forces in Taiz.
At the same time, Saudi sources have reported security alerts in Riyadh, Abha and Khamis Mushait, as well as explosions heard in the Saudi capital.
Saudi “Karayal” Drone Downed for Fourth Time
Yemen’s armed forces announced that they had shot down a Saudi-made or Saudi-operated Karayal armed reconnaissance drone over Hajjah province while it was allegedly conducting hostile activities.
According to the announcement, this was the fourth drone of its type to be downed since the latest escalation began. The total number of Karayal drones reportedly shot down since the aircraft first entered Yemeni airspace has reached seven.
Security Alerts in Saudi Cities Amid Reports of Drone Attacks
Saudi media have reported security alerts in Riyadh, Abha and Khamis Mushait. Saudi sources have also reported hearing explosions in Riyadh.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged of two drone attacks by Yemen’s armed forces against targets in Saudi Arabia over the past several hours. According to these reports, one attack targeted the kingdom’s Eastern Province, while the other targeted Riyadh.
These claims have not been independently verified.
Sanaa-Aligned Forces Report Advances on Taiz Front
On the Taiz front, reports indicate continued advances by Sanaa-aligned forces and intensified fighting along the eastern and southern approaches to the city.
According to information published by Yemeni sources, the forces have taken control of the last remaining hilltops east of Jabal Han and are advancing toward the Al-Dhahrat neighborhood, Taiz Airport and the headquarters of the 35th Armored Brigade from several directions.
Clashes have also intensified in Wadi Al-Arin, reportedly with heavy artillery support. Forces aligned with Saudi Arabia are said to have been encircled after being outflanked along the Al-Rajmah and Jabal Han axes.
Yemeni sources have further reported that the forces took control of Talouq and that fighting has reached the villages of Mishra’ah and Hidnan in Jabal Saber. According to the same sources, the fighting has also extended to Bir Pasha, approximately 3 km from the center of Taiz.
The reported battlefield developments have not been independently confirmed.
Explosion Reported Near Shabwa Governor’s Residence
In a separate development, reports have emerged of an explosion and armed clashes near the residence of the governor of Shabwa province in the city of Ataq.
Smoke was reportedly seen rising from the scene following the explosion. However, no reliable details have yet emerged regarding those responsible or the possible casualties and damage.
Sanaa Warns Egypt Against Military Involvement in Yemen
On the political front, Yahya Ali al-Ra’i, speaker of the Sanaa-based Yemeni House of Representatives, has warned his Egyptian counterpart against any participation by Cairo in military operations against Yemen.
Al-Ra’i said that Egyptian involvement in such a conflict could pose a serious threat to Egypt’s national security and domestic stability.
The warning comes amid escalating regional military tensions and growing concerns that additional countries could become involved in the Yemen conflict.