The recent surge in Houthi drone attacks in the Red Sea has sparked global concern. However, this use of drones against ships is just the latest chapter in the Houthis’ long history of employing drone technology against their enemies. Let’s take a closer look at their decade-long journey of drone warfare.
A Pioneering Approach
Experts who study the region reveal that the Yemen-based rebels have been at the forefront of utilizing affordable drones for warfare. With substantial assistance from Iran, the Houthis have waged war against better-equipped opponents. Their enthusiasm for drones is evident, as they declared 2019 as “the year of the drones” in their military. According to a United Nations report, Houthi textbooks even discuss the accomplishments of these locally-made, highly autonomous aircraft with mapping systems and accurate cameras.
Tactics and Impact
The Houthis heavily rely on drones as if they were missiles, crashing them into targets to create explosions. These fixed-wing drones, often equipped with explosive payloads, have ranges of hundreds of miles. Their effectiveness is evident in the devastating attacks on Saudi forces in 2015 when the Yemeni rebels first deployed drones against their adversaries.
The most notable incident occurred in September 2019 when the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq and Khurais oil processing facilities. Using 25 drones and missiles, they sent shockwaves through the global oil market, causing fires, pipe damages, and disrupting 5% of the world’s oil supply. This incident led to a 20% spike in oil prices.
Image: Houthi fighters and tribesmen rally near Sanaa on Jan. 14 against U.S. and U.K. strikes on Houthi-run military sites. (AP)
From Yemen to the World
The Houthis’ expertise in drone warfare has not been limited to their local conflicts. Reports indicate that they targeted a Saudi oil facility in Jizan, near the Yemen border, in 2020. In 2021, they attacked an airport in Abha, southern Saudi Arabia, leading to accusations of war crimes. They even claimed responsibility for an attack in Abu Dhabi, located around 900 miles from Sanaa, resulting in three casualties.
The Future of Drone Threats
Military analysts predict that drones will play a crucial role in future wars and terrorism worldwide. The Houthis’ successful utilization of drones has caught the attention of nations like Iran and Russia, who are now pursuing an arms deal related to this technology. Experts emphasize that countries must develop effective countermeasures, including advanced sensors and weapons capable of neutralizing or intercepting drones.
A Formidable Challenge
However, experts also acknowledge that it is impossible to have complete defensive measures against drone attacks. As seen in the recent attack on a U.S. base in Jordan, even well-defended facilities can be vulnerable. The blurring line between drones and missiles further complicates the task of defense.
The Road to Peace
As the world grapples with the escalating threat of drone attacks, experts believe that a pathway to peace in Yemen lies in resuming peace talks. These talks could be part of a broader regional agreement involving Israel and the Palestinians, along with an end to trade restrictions against Yemen. Ultimately, resolving the root causes of conflict may be the most effective way to mitigate the risk posed by the Houthis’ expertise in drone warfare.