Unidentified drones were observed flying over Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Friday as Houthi forces fired anti-aircraft weapons in an apparent attempt to intercept them, according to local residents.
Residents reported seeing drones over several parts of the city, including the northeastern neighborhoods of Saawan and Al-Hasaba. The sound of anti-aircraft fire and explosions caused concern and fear among people in the affected areas.
Yemen’s independent Belqees news website also reported hearing explosions, air-defense fire and gunshots across Sanaa early Friday. Residents said the sounds continued for some time, although the reason for the incident remained unknown.
Houthi-linked media outlets and social media accounts said the group had activated its air-defense systems in response to the increased presence of drones over the capital.
The Houthis had not issued an immediate official statement, while the identity of the drones and the party responsible for operating them remained unclear.
The incident occurred amid renewed military tensions in Yemen that have intensified since July. The escalation is considered the most serious in several years following a period of relative calm after the April 2022 truce.
Yemen’s conflict began in 2014 when the Houthis captured Sanaa and expanded their control over several provinces. In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
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