In its first statement since losing extensive positions along Yemen’s western coast, Yemeni government forces linked the scale of the Houthi offensive—and the terror group’s ability to mobilize forces and conduct simultaneous operations—to what they described as direct support from Iranian Revolutionary Guard personnel and experts, as well as Iran’s regional allies.
1+The government accused Iran, through the IRGC and its regional allies, of providing direct support and helping manage the offensive that ultimately enabled the Houthis to seize positions and extensive territory along the coast. Government forces said more than 500 of their soldiers were killed and approximately 1,500 others wounded in the fighting.
Government forces described the clashes as the “fiercest battles” they have fought against the Houthis, saying the offensive began with heavy rocket bombardment followed by attacks involving drones and explosive boats. According to their account, the assault had been planned in advance to exploit the terrain and Houthi fire control over several strategic positions, with the aim of encircling government forces and destroying their combat capabilities.
1+The Yemeni allegations follow a July Reuters report that Iran had flown IRGC commanders, military advisers and missile- and drone-related equipment into Yemen. Four sources familiar with the matter, including two Iranian sources, said Tehran transported the IRGC personnel and military equipment on a flight from Tehran to Yemen on July 13, a development that had not previously been reported.