# Yemen conflict drone strike escalation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/yemen-conflict-drone-strike-escalation
> Updated: 2026-09-21T20:59:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Yemeni government forces have reportedly begun using the SkyWasp, a Saudi-made long-range offensive drone, in combat operations. Initial strikes targeted Houthi air defense systems, weapons depots, and missile-related facilities in the mountainous regions of Aiban and Nuqum near Sanaa.

Following these operations, tensions escalated as reports emerged of nine kamikaze drones striking the presidential palace and the Al-Nahdin military camp in Sanaa. These strikes prompted a security crackdown and heightened alerts by Houthi forces. 

Amidst the military activity, tribal leaders in the Sanaa governorate formally declared support for the legitimate political leadership, calling for the restoration of state institutions. Additionally, reports indicated communication between U.S. President Donald Trump and Rashad Al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, regarding developments near the Bab al-Mandab strait.

## Claims

- Tribal leaders of Sana'a governorate declared their support for the legitimate political leadership and state institutions. (disputed)
- Sana'a tribal leaders called for the restoration of state institutions and the capital from Houthi control. (disputed)
- Nine kamikaze drones targeted the presidential palace and Al-Nahdin camp in Sana'a. (single source)
- Houthi forces imposed a wide state of alert in Sana'a following the drone strikes. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Yemen: Drone strikes hit Sana'a palace amid tribal support for legitimacy

Drone strikes targeted Sana'a's presidential palace and Al-Nahdin camp, while Sana'a tribal leaders declared support for Yemen's legitimate leadership amid reports of high-level U.S. diplomatic interest.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yemen-drone-strikes-hit-sanaa-palace-amid-tribal-support-for-legitimacy

### 2026-09-18: SkyWasp drones used by Yemeni forces in strikes near Sanaa

Yemeni government forces reportedly used the Saudi-made SkyWasp long-range drone for the first time to strike Houthi military sites, including air defense and weapons depots, near Sanaa.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skywasp-drones-used-by-yemeni-forces-in-strikes-near-sanaa

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Cite as: Yemen conflict drone strike escalation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/yemen-conflict-drone-strike-escalation