Sheba Intelligence has obtained information from sources on Houthi military movements involving a drone base, a ballistic missile base and a training camp in Al-Bayda, as fighting intensifies around Kahboub in Lahj and Al-Dharifa in Al-Wazi’iyah, western Taiz, near the land approaches to Bab al-Mandab.

The movements could have several purposes, including reinforcing Houthi forces attacking southern Marib via Bayhan in Shabwa, supporting coastal operations, or preparing drone and missile strikes across several governorates. The available information does not establish their intended destination or operational objective.

Fighting Around the Approaches to Bab al-Mandab

Sources said Houthi forces have been pushing to seize the Kahboub mountains and advance toward Al-Arah, seeking to secure their presence around Bab al-Mandab. Government forces, meanwhile, have launched operations in Al-Wazi’iyah, backed by airstrikes, threatening Houthi positions and routes toward the strait.

Government military media reported that dozens of Houthi fighters were killed during a large-scale offensive in Al-Wazi’iyah with air support. Preliminary information also indicates that government forces have taken full control of Mount Kahboub. Neither the casualty figures nor the extent of territorial control could be independently verified.

According to sources in the Bab al-Mandab area, the Houthis are digging tunnels and trenches in mountains overlooking the strait and preparing to deploy naval mines if their positions come under ground, naval or aerial attack. Sheba Intelligence could not independently verify these preparations or establish whether any mines have already been laid.

Activity at Three Military Sites in Al-Bayda

In Al-Thurayya, in the Al Mifa’ area, sources reported military activity at a drone base along the Al-Harir–Al-Sawma’ah road.

The sources also reported the movement of ballistic missiles in Al-Juroub, in Al-Rashidah subdistrict, Afar, where they said the Houthis maintain a missile base.

Separately, they reported troop movements and the transfer of reinforcements from a training camp in Al Amer, Hawran.

The scale and destination of these movements remain unclear. Sheba Intelligence could not independently verify the nature of the activity at the three sites.

Possible Reinforcements Toward Southern Marib

One possible explanation is that the movements are intended to reinforce Houthi forces attacking southern Marib, with personnel or equipment moving through Bayhan in Shabwa. Under this interpretation, the activity in Al-Bayda may be connected to fighting farther east, alongside—or separately from—the confrontation around Bab al-Mandab.

Another possibility is that the Houthis are preparing to support their coastal forces or strengthen rear positions as government operations increase pressure on the approaches to the strait. No confirmed information currently links the reported transfers to a specific front.

Potential Drone and Missile Operations Across Several Fronts

The activity at the drone and missile bases could also indicate preparations to launch attacks from Al-Bayda toward targets in Taiz, the western coast, Lahj, Aden, Shabwa, Al-Dhalea or Marib.

These are possible operational directions, rather than confirmed target locations. The information obtained by Sheba Intelligence does not establish that launch orders have been issued or identify the weapons involved.

Sources also did not rule out preparations for further ground operations toward Lahj and Aden should fighting around Bab al-Mandab expand. However, the reported activity in Al-Bayda cannot yet be attributed to a single campaign: it could involve troop reinforcement, preparations for long-range strikes, or support for operations on several fronts.