Conflict in Yemen

[Feanor]

Al Jazeera are reporting, as breaking news, that Saudi airstrikes have hit a Yemini hospital in the city of Saada. The hospital is being run by the charity, Doctors Without Borders. The charity claims that the strikes were deliberate because the Saudis were provided with the exact coordinates of the hospital by the charity two weeks ago.

How is this different from their previous intentional targeting of civilian infrastructure? Because of the PR consequences of hitting a facility run by a major NGO?

EDIT: Houthis fire off a coastal AShM against a warship. Results are unclear, though they claim a sinking. With both ballistic and AShM capability still intact, I have to say militarily the Saudis are not doing well at all. And it's not like Yemen had particularly many, or particularly modern, AShMs to begin with.

http://imp-navigator.livejournal.com/389672.html

 

[wsb05]

How is this different from their previous intentional targeting of civilian infrastructure? Because of the PR consequences of hitting a facility run by a major NGO?

EDIT: Houthis fire off a coastal AShM against a warship. Results are unclear, though they claim a sinking. With both ballistic and AShM capability still intact, I have to say militarily the Saudis are not doing well at all. And it's not like Yemen had particularly many, or particularly modern, AShMs to begin with.

ЗаÑвленный пуÑк ПКР хуÑитами против ÐºÐ¾Ñ€Ð°Ð±Ð»Ñ ÑаудовÑкой коалиции - Юрий ЛÑмин

Yes and No.
Huthis reports generally lack credibility and are similar to Ukraine's media reports from the battlefront.
These weapons are probably newly delivered Iranian missiles or else they would have been used already.
The naval blockade does not seem effective. The houthis are being actively resupplied by sea hence the need to control Hudayda, Taiz and red sea Islands.

 

[Feanor]

Yes and No.
Huthis reports generally lack credibility and are similar to Ukraine's media reports from the battlefront.

Oh god. So ignore them altogether?

These weapons are probably newly delivered Iranian missiles or else they would have been used already.
The naval blockade does not seem effective. The houthis are being actively resupplied by sea hence the need to control Hudayda, Taiz and red sea Islands.

Well this footage showed up recently.

An attack against an allegedly Indian cargo ship carrying supplies to the Houthis.

Video of the Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on Houthis boats - Военный Блог

 

[wsb05]

Oh god. So ignore them altogether?



Well this footage showed up recently.

An attack against an allegedly Indian cargo ship carrying supplies to the Houthis.

Video of the Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on Houthis boats - Военный Блог

No, but I would take them with a bucket of salt. They seldom acknowledge defeat in any battle. They report themselves holding the lines weeks after they are run over. They so far have claimed to have destroyed almost 30+ Saudi planes (often referred to as f-16) invaded most of Najran and Assir and were welcomed by roses etc.
Yes, there is an active resupply line from Iran through the red sea. The video is widely a publicised incident from a few days ago when 6 resupply boats were targeted.

 

[Feanor]

The UAE is deploying special forces to Yemen also.

ОÐÐ* перебраÑывает в Ðден Ñилы Ñпециального Ð½Ð°Ð·Ð½Ð°Ñ‡ÐµÐ½Ð¸Ñ - bmpd

And Sudanese troops riding BTR-80s. Note, earlier, Sudan allegedly used Su-24Ms to carry out air strikes against targets in Yemen.

СуданÑкие Ñолдаты в Ðдене Ñо Ñвоими БТÐ*-80 - bmpd

EDIT: Air Tractor AT-802U's have been deployed to Yemen by the UAE.

http://imp-navigator.livejournal.com/390665.html

 

[Ranger25]

The UAE is deploying special forces to Yemen also.

ОÐÐ* перебраÑывает в Ðден Ñилы Ñпециального Ð½Ð°Ð·Ð½Ð°Ñ‡ÐµÐ½Ð¸Ñ - bmpd

And Sudanese troops riding BTR-80s. Note, earlier, Sudan allegedly used Su-24Ms to carry out air strikes against targets in Yemen.

СуданÑкие Ñолдаты в Ðдене Ñо Ñвоими БТÐ*-80 - bmpd

EDIT: Air Tractor AT-802U's have been deployed to Yemen by the UAE.

"Воздушный трактор" в Йемене - Юрий ЛÑмин

Feanor, do you know of any numbers, confirmed or unconfirmed, of,the numbers Guds and Houzballah forces that are there assisting the Houthis?

I've seen estimates of over 5000. I see this as the only way the Houthis continue to hold on

Thoughts?


U.S. Intelligence: Iran Sending More Fighters to Yemen

 

[ngatimozart]

How is this different from their previous intentional targeting of civilian infrastructure? Because of the PR consequences of hitting a facility run by a major NGO?

I really don't see any great difference because the Saudis will be less suspectable to public opinion than Western nations, furthermore they will just more than likely ignore any foreign criticism just like Israel does with regard to its bombing of Palestinian cities. France may complain but it will be muted because of the Mistral sale to Egypt which the Saudis are reputedly funding.

 

[Feanor]

Feanor, do you know of any numbers, confirmed or unconfirmed, of,the numbers Guds and Houzballah forces that are there assisting the Houthis?

I've seen estimates of over 5000. I see this as the only way the Houthis continue to hold on

Thoughts?


U.S. Intelligence: Iran Sending More Fighters to Yemen

I don't know of any Hezbollah forces fighting in Yemen. I would be surprised to hear of it, given that they're committed in Syria, and the Damascus regime is in big trouble. Despite the significant morale booste provided by Russian involvement, the reality is that the Syrian offensive has practically ground to a halt, and that's with help from Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. I don't seem the being able to spare fighters to send to Yemen.

Iranian forces are another question entirely. Hypothetically if they can smuggle arms into Yemen, they can smuggle personnel too. However I don't have any actual information on that subject. If something comes across my radar, I'll be sure to post it.

 

[Feanor]

Some info.

Houthi forces have attacked the Saudi town of Al-Raboah. They've captured an M113 APC.

Штурм хуÑитами приграничного ÑаудовÑкого городка - Юрий ЛÑмин

A Russian Il-76 has flown to Yemen, allegedly carrying weapons. This might be a response to Saudi support for ISIS.

Битва за Йемен - Военный Блог

 

[Ranger25]

Some info.

Houthi forces have attacked the Saudi town of Al-Raboah. They've captured an M113 APC.

Штурм хуÑитами приграничного ÑаудовÑкого городка - Юрий ЛÑмин

A Russian Il-76 has flown to Yemen, allegedly carrying weapons. This might be a response to Saudi support for ISIS.

Битва за Йемен - Военный Блог

Not sure why I would understand Russian military support for the Houthis? Other than a type of quid pro quo with the GCC and ISIS?

 

[Feanor]

Not sure why I would understand Russian military support for the Houthis? Other than a type of quid pro quo with the GCC and ISIS?

It's been suggested that Iran has a lot to do with Russia's actions in Syria. Given the Saudi response to Russian action, it's not too farfetched to see Russia doing a little something for the Houthis. Then again, it's all very messy, so who knows. It may really have been humanitarian aid. Given the way the Saudis have been proceeding, one might argue that humanitarian aid is as important to the Houthis staying in power, as ATGMs.

 

[Ranger25]

UAE Patriots down two incoming Missiles

Patriot air defence systems deployed to Yemen by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have successfully intercepted two ballistic missiles, according to Brigadier General Murad Turaiq, the commander of some of the Yemeni forces allied to the Saudi-led coalition currently fighting in Yemen.



UAE Patriots credited with two intercepts in Yemen | IHS Jane's 360

 

[surpreme]

Saudi Defense Forces Bad Performance

I'm still not satisfied with Saudi actions in Yemen. All that help by the U.S. Military and private contractors and they still look like sh*t. Yemen military is a joke it capability are limited. That's why I can't understand why it taking the Saudis so long in defeating them. I have examined all the video that coming from Yemen the Saudis look dumbfound they not using correct tactics. I haven't seen the Saudis go against a professional Army I seen some Republican Guards in with the Houthis militia. Forces from NATO/US will have taking control in 2 to 3 weeks right now it would be doing counterinsurgent trying to the get the rest that retreated. The Saudi are showing there weakness and believe me ISIS is paying attention to the Saudi forces. It a matter of time before it will get hit by a good armed ISIS unit which will exposed Saudi weakness.

 

[Feanor]

I'm still not satisfied with Saudi actions in Yemen. All that help by the U.S. Military and private contractors and they still look like sh*t. Yemen military is a joke it capability are limited. That's why I can't understand why it taking the Saudis so long in defeating them. I have examined all the video that coming from Yemen the Saudis look dumbfound they not using correct tactics. I haven't seen the Saudis go against a professional Army I seen some Republican Guards in with the Houthis militia. Forces from NATO/US will have taking control in 2 to 3 weeks right now it would doing counterinsurgent trying to the get the rest that retreated. The Saudi are showing there weakness and believe me ISIS is paying attention to the Saudi forces. It a matter of time before it will get hit by a good armed ISIS unit which will exposed Saudi weakness.

From the looks of it, the Yemeni military is no joke. They're fighting successfully against the Saudis, and they're gaining experience by doing this. They've crossed the border into Saudi Arabia and on several occasions have taken towns and bases. And let's not forget the Iranian, and possibly Russian, military aid to the Yemeni houthis..

 

[surpreme]

From the looks of it, the Yemeni military is no joke. They're fighting successfully against the Saudis, and they're gaining experience by doing this. They've crossed the border into Saudi Arabia and on several occasions have taken towns and bases. And let's not forget the Iranian, and possibly Russian, military aid to the Yemeni houthis..

Oh No don't get me wrong Republician Guards, Allies and Houthis Militia doing this with infantry tactics they are doing a good job. That's what makes the Saudis forces look weak. But a professional force would have explored there weakness and destroyed them quickly. That's all I'm saying right there.

 

[Feanor]

Oh No don't get me wrong Republician Guards, Allies and Houthis Militia doing this with infantry tactics they are doing a good job. That's what makes the Saudis forces look weak. But a professional force would have explored there weakness and destroyed them quickly. That's all I'm saying right there.

The houthis have begun a large cross-border offensive into Saudi Arabia. There are reports of dozens of towns and border posts falling, with quite a bit of footage of destroyed Saudi armor. It's unlikely that they intend to hold the ground, but this offensive is certainly a sign that the Saudis are nowhere near victory or even containing the conflict.

ХуÑиты громÑÑ‚ приграничные позиции ÑаудовÑких войÑк - Юрий ЛÑмин

EDIT: More footage from Yemen.

http://panzerbar.livejournal.com/3010359.html

 

[Toblerone]

Saudi Arabia needs to do some serious restructuring of their security forces after this shameful display. Iran has already started the process of modernizing its army with russian gear and their economy will bloom. If a future conflict takes place, the saudis will evaporate, no technological advantage can balance out this level of incompetence.

Not to mention they have many allied forces assisting them.

 

[Feanor]

Saudi Arabia needs to do some serious restructuring of their security forces after this shameful display. Iran has already started the process of modernizing its army with russian gear and their economy will bloom. If a future conflict takes place, the saudis will evaporate, no technological advantage can balance out this level of incompetence.

Not to mention they have many allied forces assisting them.

With allies like Sudan who needs enemies.

On a serious note, this is a huge embarrassment for them, somewhat mitigated by the fact that the war in Yemen is almost completely kept out of the media.

But if they haven't managed to make use of western training and equipment up to this point I have to seriously question their ability to do it as a result of this war. They can buy replacements for the destroyed gear relatively easily, and certainly have the manpower to absorb the losses.

 

[Ranger25]

With allies like Sudan who needs enemies.

On a serious note, this is a huge embarrassment for them, somewhat mitigated by the fact that the war in Yemen is almost completely kept out of the media.

But if they haven't managed to make use of western training and equipment up to this point I have to seriously question their ability to do it as a result of this war. They can buy replacements for the destroyed gear relatively easily, and certainly have the manpower to absorb the losses.

Again, I agree.


We used to train Saudi Company Grade Infantry offices at Fort Benning. To label them as incompetent would be an upgrade of their abilities. Most of them were "appointed" to the role because of who they were. They had zero field skills, zero interest in tactics etc and when deployed to the field nearly refused to do anything for themselves. They would tell us they didn't need to learn such things as their conscripts would provide those services to them in the field.

It was eye opening.

 

[Feanor]

Again, I agree.


We used to train Saudi Company Grade Infantry offices at Fort Benning. To label them as incompetent would be an upgrade of their abilities. Most of them were "appointed" to the role because of who they were. They had zero field skills, zero interest in tactics etc and when deployed to the field nearly refused to do anything for themselves. They would tell us they didn't need to learn such things as their conscripts would provide those services to them in the field.

It was eye opening.

Unfortunately it's often the conscripts who do the dying.