SkyWasp drones used by Yemeni forces in strikes near Sanaa

Yemeni government forces have reportedly deployed the SkyWasp, a long-range offensive drone, for the first time in combat operations. The strikes targeted Houthi military positions in the mountainous areas surrounding the capital, Sanaa.

According to reports from Shiba Intelligence and military sources, the operations began before dawn on Friday and targeted air defense systems, weapons depots, and facilities linked to missile and drone capabilities. The strikes were concentrated in the mountainous regions of Aiban and Nuqum.

The SkyWasp is described as a Saudi-made, long-range one-way attack platform developed through a Saudi-American defense partnership. Technical specifications suggest the drone has a range of approximately 1,500 kilometers, speeds between 150 and 200 kilometers per hour, and a warhead weighing between 30 and 50 kilograms. Notably, the platform allows operators the option to abort a mission and recover the aircraft before the final strike.

While residents in Sanaa reported hearing anti-aircraft fire and seeing drones overhead, neither the Yemeni government nor Houthi forces have issued official statements regarding the strikes. The use of this technology indicates an increased capability for government forces to conduct long-range operations within Houthi-controlled territories.