Drone strike hits military site in Lahj, killing two people

LAHJ, July 30 (YPA) – A strike by an unidentified drone targeted a military position linked to Al-Anad Air Base in Lahj province on Wednesday, killing two people, amid accusations by figures aligned with Saudi Arabia that allied military leaders in southern Yemen.

According to local sources, the drone struck the Jabal Al-Zaytouna site shortly after a similar strike targeted the Al-Jahili position in the Al-Maqatirah district, overlooking Tor Al-Baha, Al-Mudarabah, and Ras Al-Arah in western Lahj.

The sources added the strikes were intended to pressure local factions into opening new frontlines against Sanaa forces, following reports that factions aligned with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) had refused to join a military escalation alongside Saudi Arabia.

Abdul Karim Shaif, director of officers and attachés affairs at the Saudi-backed Ministry of Defense, was quoted by southern media as saying that military commanders had ignored repeated warnings about intensive unidentified drone activity over the camp before the strike.

Shaif called for an urgent, transparent investigation into negligence and possible complicity, urging authorities to disclose the facts and hold those responsible accountable regardless of rank.

The report added that Sanaa forces have not announced responsibility for any attacks in the area.

The incident has fueled speculation over the identity of the drone, with some reports suggesting it may have been operated by factions affiliated with the Islah Party or forces loyal to Tareq Saleh, though no independent evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims.

The developments come amid reported Saudi efforts to encourage renewed military operations in southern Yemen, while STC-affiliated factions have publicly opposed opening new fronts against Sanaa.