Houthis Strike Saudi M1A2S Abrams Tank with Drone-Dropped Munition

Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi forces have struck and likely critically damaged a Saudi Arabian Army M1A2S Abrams tank using a munition dropped from a UAV.

Footage of the strike was published by a Houthi “Ministry of Defense” channel.

According to Defence Blog, the attack took place at a forward position of forces belonging to Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, in Yemen’s Marib Governorate.

The attack was carried out using a “Rajum” bomber drone, which dropped what was likely a mortar round onto the tank. The munition struck the turret near the rear ammunition compartment, reportedly causing the propellant charges to ignite.

Хусити уразили танк Abrams армії Саудівської Аравії скидом з БпЛА pic.twitter.com/nauRvL2fbr

— dimdim (@dimdim518484) August 21, 2026

Fighting in Yemen

The renewed tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia escalated into open conflict after Saudi Arabia launched strikes on Sana’a International Airport on July 13 to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing. This marked the most serious escalation between the sides since the 2022 truce.

The Houthis immediately launched retaliatory attacks. Between July 13 and August 14, they carried out 16 attacks against Saudi targets, including seven oil facilities and six oil tankers. On July 20, the Houthis announced the beginning of a maritime blockade.

Saudi forces responded directly to the Houthi attacks with a series of strikes on military targets around the port of Hudaydah and on Kamaran Island, including weapons depots.

In response, the Houthis expanded their campaign by launching large-scale attacks against forces of Yemen’s internationally recognized government (IRG), which is backed by Saudi Arabia. On August 6, the Houthis simultaneously attacked government forces’ camps in the Hadramaut and Marib governorates, killing at least 30 service members.

Since then, heavy fighting between government forces and the Houthis has occurred almost daily along the internal front lines, mainly in the Marib, Taiz, and Hudaydah governorates. The Houthis are attempting to capture the city of Mocha and advance south along the Red Sea coast toward the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

According to the Financial Times, this has left Saudi Arabia facing a difficult choice: intensify military operations against the Houthis while risking further attacks on its oil facilities, or seek a new truce.

The Houthis are demanding that Saudi Arabia pay salaries to residents of areas under their control, grant them access to oil revenues generated in territories controlled by Yemen’s government, and provide compensation. The Houthis also want Riyadh to allow them to use airports in the northern areas under their control and ensure unrestricted maritime access to ports held by the rebels.

Saudi Arabia fears that such concessions would enable Iran to increase its military support for the Houthis.