Illustrative image. Source: Fb.com/Yemenarmymedia
On July 28, Saudi-backed forces shot down a Samad-1 reconnaissance drone of the Houthis (Ansar Allah) over the central Yemen province of al-Bayda.
The drone was reportedly operating over al-Qunthu’a front in the district of Na’man in northern al-Bayda when it was targeted. The Media Center of the pro-Saudi wing of the Yemeni Armed Forces shared photos of the wreckage.
Click to see full-size image. Source: Fb.com/Yemenarmymedia
Click to see full-size image. Source: Fb.com/Yemenarmymedia
Click to see full-size image. Source: Fb.com/Yemenarmymedia
The Samad-1 was first presented by the Houthis during the Saleh Ali al-Sammad military exhibition that was held on July 7, 2019. The reconnaissance drone is equipped with a gyro-stabilized electro-optical system as well as a data link for control and live broadcast.
The Houthis were apparently using the drone to spy on Saudi-backed forces, which launched a large-scale offensive in al-Bayda with support from the Saudi-led coalition earlier this month. The offensive was repelled by Houthi fighters, who executed a successful counter-attack.
This was the Houthis’ second aerial loss in al-Bayda this week. Two days ago, Saudi-backed forces shot down a drone of the Yemeni group over the district of Nati’.
The Houthis have also lost six other drones over the last week. The drones were intercepted by the Saudi-led coalition on July 24 and 28.
Despite these losses, the Houthis continue to manufacture and operate reconnaissance and attack drones with much success.
