The activity could be linked to developments inside Al-Jawf or potential operations toward Marib and the Saudi border

    The Houthis are preparing drones for possible launch from Al-Saqiyah military camp in Yemen’s Al-Jawf governorate, amid a tribal mobilisation threatening to disrupt military supplies and commercial shipments bound for Houthi-controlled areas, according to information obtained by Sheba Intelligence.

UAV specialists were reportedly seen accompanying the Houthi military leadership overseeing Al-Labnat camp, suggesting preparations for a drone operation or aerial surveillance activity in the area. The type of drones involved, their potential targets and the timing of any launch remain unclear.

The activity follows an announcement by Sheikh Hamad bin Fadgham al-Hazmi and the leadership of the “Dignity Camps” on Friday evening, August 28, that an eight-day deadline given to the Houthis to release Mira and return property allegedly taken from her had expired without a response.

The tribal mobilisation subsequently announced that heavy transport vehicles and commercial cargo heading into Houthi-controlled territory would be blocked from Saturday morning. It also threatened to cut the group’s military and logistical supply routes while allowing civilian vehicles and travellers to continue moving.

Tribal fighters and supporters were called to assemble at the Dignity Camps in the Al-Asam area of Al-Jawf in preparation for further steps.

The timing raises the possibility that the drone activity is intended to monitor tribal gatherings and potential road closures, or to deter the mobilisation from developing into an armed confrontation. However, no direct evidence currently establishes that the tribal forces are the intended target.

Al-Saqiyah’s location also gives it operational value beyond the immediate tribal dispute. The preparations could be connected to possible operations against Yemeni government positions in Marib or drone launches toward areas near the Saudi border.

The tribal escalation may therefore represent an additional challenge to Houthi movement and supply lines in Al-Jawf without necessarily being the primary purpose of the reported drone preparations.

Sheba Intelligence has not independently verified which roads, if any, have been closed or the extent to which the tribal decision has been implemented. The type, intended flight path and potential targets of the drones also remain unconfirmed.