Sanaa strengthens air defences as Houthis prepare for possible assault

The Houthi movement has intensified the operational readiness of governmental institutions in Sanaa in anticipation of a possible assault, Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar reports.

An emergency committee meeting, chaired by Yemeni acting prime minister Mohammed Muftah, reviewed measures to strengthen overall preparedness and enhance the government’s capacity to respond to crises. Discussions focused on improving coordination among relevant agencies, particularly civil defence units tasked with rescue operations and minimizing human and material losses. The committee approved a series of steps aimed at ensuring rapid response and reinforcing the emergency sector in the near term.

Observers say the move appears precautionary against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, as well as renewed warnings of possible Israeli military action against Yemen.

Separately, an account on X known as “Modern Naval Forces” published footage purportedly showing an attempt to target a military helicopter in Yemeni airspace with a man-portable air defence system. Analysts cited by regional media said the incident highlights the growing military and technological capabilities of Ansar Allah, the Houthi movement, particularly in air defence. Access to such systems, they said, “reduces the strategic gap with the enemy and forces hostile forces to adjust their tactics.”

In recent weeks, forces aligned with Sanaa have conducted ground exercises in the provinces of Ibb, Hodeidah and Sanaa, simulating surveillance, reconnaissance, support and assault operations against mock US and Israeli targets. The drills involved medium and light weapons and live ammunition.

Military sources indicated that in the event of open conflict, long-range ballistic missiles and newly developed drones could be deployed. Houthi officials have also floated reviving the concept of a “unified theatre of operations” in response to any joint US and Israeli action against Iran, incorporating updated tactics and more advanced precision-guided weaponry.