Al-Qaeda Elements Reportedly Aided Houthi Attack on Marib Camp

Intelligence and local sources have indicated that elements affiliated with Al-Qaeda participated alongside Houthi militias in a large-scale offensive targeting Yemeni army camps along the administrative border between Marib and Hadhramaut governorates in eastern Yemen.

The sources reported that Al-Qaeda elements, positioned in smuggling routes in the Al-Shiqir area of Al-Ain district in Shabwah Governorate, adjacent to Hareeb district in Marib Governorate, were involved in the assault. Their participation reportedly included launching explosive-laden drones that struck an army camp in the Al-Ruwaiq area of Marib Governorate.

According to the sources speaking to Khaleej News Agency, the operation was overseen by a commander within Al-Qaeda who had previously defected from the organization. This individual was reportedly arrested in Sana'a before rejoining Al-Qaeda at the beginning of the current year.

Military sources stated that Houthi militias launched approximately nine ballistic missiles from areas under their control in Marib Governorate, as well as from other locations including Dhamar Governorate. They also deployed several explosive-laden drones to target army camps in Marib and Hadhramaut governorates.

The attack resulted in dozens of casualties among government forces, though Yemeni authorities have not yet released an official final toll of the losses.