Yemeni Forces Strike Saudi-Backed Militants, Killing Two

Yemeni armed forces have launched a new wave of ballistic missile and drone attacks against Saudi-backed militant forces, killing at least two fighters and wounding several others. Local media reported that Yemeni military units targeted Saudi-sponsored fighters from the so-called Shabwah Defense Forces in the Bayhan district of southeastern Shabwah province on Monday, inflicting heavy losses.

The attacks came only hours after Yemeni forces carried out drone strikes on the port city of Mokha in Ta’izz province. The latest strikes followed attacks on Mokha port and surrounding areas on Sunday that reportedly killed seven Saudi-backed militants and wounded 30 people. Yemeni Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said the forces had targeted militant positions and weapons depots with ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones, adding that the strikes were carried out as the Saudi-backed forces were conducting a military buildup and preparing attacks against Yemeni forces.

The developments follow the Sana’a government’s July 20 announcement of a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, accusing Riyadh of maintaining a prolonged blockade and exploiting Yemen’s resources. Yemeni forces have since announced several operations against Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia and its allies launched their war and blockade against Yemen in March 2015 with military, political and logistical support from the United States and some Western countries. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of Yemenis and failed to restore the Saudi-backed government to power.