Yemeni Houthis are preparing a “military operation” against Israel

1 November, 2023 Iranian Shahed-136 ("Wa'id") loitering munition of the Houthis.

2022. Yemen. Photo from open sources

Yemeni rebels from the Ansar Allah movement are planning a "military operation" against Israel. Yahya Saree, the representative of the Yemeni rebels, announced this. "A statement by the armed forces regarding a military operation directed deep into the Zionist entity in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and their fighting resistance," Saree captioned the video message.

The Houthi representative informed about the "launch of a large batch of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones" at a number of Israeli facilities. He noted that this is the third operation against Israel and added that Yemen "will continue until the Israeli aggression stops."

Yahya Saree from the Ansar Allah movement. A frame from the militant's page

It should be noted that the Ansar Allah rebels should not be confused with the official Yemeni government.

Yemen's civil war started in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa, 120 kilometers west of Marib, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to support the government, the UNN reports. The Saudi-led alliance intervened in Yemen in March 2015, but the war, which has killed tens of thousands of people and caused a severe humanitarian crisis, has been in a military stalemate for years. Iran is helping the Houthis to arm themselves.

For example, in 2022, the Houthis demonstrated four types of their anti-ship missiles. The Faleq-1 anti-ship missiles were a highlight of the military parade.

Faleq-1 anti-ship missiles of the Houthis from the Ansar Allah movement at a parade in Yemen. September 2022, Yemen.

Photo credits: Houthi media

It is likely a version of the Iranian Fajr-4 guided rocket known by the F4CL index.

The Houthis are also armed with Iranian "Shahed-136" loitering munition, which is called "Wa'id" in Yemen.