US Forces in Yemen

Mabkhout Ali al Ameri with his 18-month old son Mohammed, shortly after a botched US raid on al Ghayil in January 2017 had killed at least 20 villagers, including Mohammed's mother Fatim Saleh Mohsen. © Iona Craig

Belligerent
US Forces
Country
Yemen
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Strike Status
Strike Type
Infrastructure

Incident date

February 28, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr010

LOCATION

مديرية الصومعة, Al Suma'a District, Al Bayda, Yemen

The Pentagon announced on March 6th 2017 that it had conducted an airstrike against AQAP in Yemen on February 28th, though no other sources could be found to verify this.  This appeared to have been the first action of a serious intensification of US strikes in Yemen through the first week of March 2017. Two

Summary

First published
February 28, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
View Incident

Incident date

March 14, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr046

LOCATION

مديرية العبر, Al Abr District, Hadramaut, Yemen

A reported US drone strike killed two alleged AQAP militants, including a Saudi national, while they were driving in the Al-Abr area of Hadramout governorate, on March 14th 2017. There are no known associated reports of civilian harm. According to FPA, the alleged militants were named as Abu Jandal al-Hadrami and Abu Hashim al-Sharuri by

Summary

First published
March 14, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

November 4, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr112

LOCATION

صرواح, Sirwah, Ma'rib, Yemen

Some local language sources, including @MasirahTV, suggested that a US drone strike took place in the Sirwah district of Marib governorate on the morning of November 4th. All sources posted on November 4th 2017 itself. There were no known associated reports of civilian or militant harm, and no further information was given. Given that all

Summary

First published
November 4, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
View Incident

Incident date

August 31, 2019

Incident Code

USYEMTr209

LOCATION

عرقوب, Arqoub, Abyan, Yemen

code: USYEMTr209
incident_date: 2019-08-31
status: publish
civilian_harm_status:

Summary

First published
August 31, 2019
Last updated
June 9, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Naval bombardment
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, United Arab Emirates Military
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
12–24
View Incident

Incident date

April 8, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr072

LOCATION

الصومعة, Al Suma'a, Al Bayda, Yemen

One usually-reliable Twitter source, @demolinari, indicated that a US drone strike had killed two “suspected” AQAP militants in Al-Sawma’ah district, Bayda governorate, on the afternoon of April 8th 2017. There were no known associated reports of civilian harm. Several sources – for example Yemen Live News – reported that two alleged militants were killed around

Summary

First published
April 8, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

August 4, 2012

Incident Code

USYEM115-C

LOCATION

عدن, Aden, Yemen

A single source, Press TV, reported that a US drone killed five “people” traveling in a vehicle in Aden on August 4, 2012. However, the same source referred to the strike as occurring in “eastern Yemen” while Aden is located in western Yemen. Another strike did occur in eastern Yemen on the same date (USYEM116-B),

Summary

First published
August 4, 2012
Last updated
May 13, 2025
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 5
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Geolocation
Province/governorate
Belligerents reported killed
0–5
View Incident

Incident date

March 28, 2025

Incident Code

USYEM250328b

LOCATION

منطقة صعدة القريبة, Vicinity of Sadaa, Sadaa, Yemen

One civilian was killed and between three and four others were injured by alleged US airstrikes on a “citizen’s farm” within or on the outskirts of Sadaa city, Yemen on March 28, 2025. A Facebook post from “Majd Al-Madani Saada” reported that one person had been killed and three others were wounded by a US

Summary

First published
April 10, 2025
Last updated
April 14, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
3–4
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

December 17, 2009

Incident Code

USYEM003-B

LOCATION

أرحب, Arhab, Sana'a, Yemen

US forces reportedly carried out an attack in Arhab, Yemen on December 17th upon a home believed to be the living quarters of Qasim al Raimi (also called al Raymi), resulting in the death of four militants. The strike was initially reported to have included the use of Yemeni ground forces and air strikes with

Summary

First published
December 17, 2009
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Geolocation
District
Belligerents reported killed
4
View Incident

Incident date

March 18, 2012

Incident Code

USYEM051-B

LOCATION

مسيمر, Al Musaimeer, near Zinjibar, Abyan, Yemen

Alleged Yemeni or US strikes on Al Qaeda positions in north-eastern Zinjibar, Abyan province, allegedly killed 14 to 18 belligerents and injured dozens of others on 18 March 2012, sources said. There are currently no reports of civilian harm, though one source, Xinhua, stated that an anonymous Yemen official stated that “it was not clear

Summary

First published
March 18, 2012
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike, Naval bombardment
Infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Yemeni Air Force
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
14–18
Belligerents reported injured
12–24
View Incident

Incident date

December 29, 2012

Incident Code

USYEM139-B

LOCATION

سائلة الجرّاح, Saila valley/Sa'ilat al Jarrah, Al Bayda, Yemen

Alleged US missiles hit a 2006 saloon Land Cruiser traveling on the outskirts of al-Manaseh village on December 29, 2012, near Radda, in the fourth strike in a week. At least three alleged al Qaeda members died and two others were injured. There are currently no known reports of civilian harm. The three victims reportedly

Summary

First published
December 29, 2012
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
3–4
Belligerents reported injured
2
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr114

LOCATION

صرار الجشم, Sirar Jusham, Al Bayda, Yemen

In an email to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, a US spokesperson stated that a CENTCOM strike had targeted ISIS militants in Al Bayda governorate on November 10th 2017, killing two. This confirmed earlier local reports that a US drone strike had killed two alleged militants in or near Sirar Jusham, in the Qayfa area,

Summary

First published
November 10, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known targets
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), ISIS - Yemen
Belligerents reported killed
2–24
View Incident

Incident date

December 24, 2009

Incident Code

USYEM005-C

LOCATION

أبين, Abyan, Yemen

A second air strike reportedly occurred on 24th December 2009 in the province of Abyan “of which the death toll is unknown”, according to the Swiss-based human rights organization, Alkarama. No other sources were found that reported on this strike.

Summary

First published
December 24, 2009
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Geolocation
Province/governorate
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2018

Incident Code

USYEMTr139

LOCATION

البيضاء, Al Bayda, Yemen

A US airstrike targeted AQAP in Bayda governorate on January 20th 2018, a US Central Command spokesperson later told the Long War Journal. A review by our Arabic-language researchers found no other local sources reporting a strike on that day, and there were no known reports of civilian harm.

Summary

First published
January 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr023

LOCATION

ذي كالب, Dhi Kalb, Al Bayda, Yemen

Some local language sources reported that the area of Dhi Kalb, in the al-Qaifa region of Bayda province, was targeted by multiple US air strikes overnight from March 2nd to March 3rd 2017.  here were no reports of civilian harm. Social media sources suggested that US drones and combat aircraft conducted several strikes against “homes”

Summary

First published
March 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
View Incident

Incident date

March 30, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr058

LOCATION

الوضيع, Al Wade'a, Abyan, Yemen

Several sources reported that a US drone strike in Al Wade’a district, Abyan governorate, targeted the home of alleged AQAP leader Abu Ubaidah al-Damaji at around dawn on March 31st 2017. There were no known reports of civilian harm. Sources indicated that it was unclear whether al-Damaji or any others died in the strike on

Summary

First published
March 30, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
View Incident

Incident date

June 28, 2018

Incident Code

USYEMTr170

LOCATION

بئر شودقة, Bi'ir Shoudqa, Ma'rib, Yemen

A US drone strike targeted alleged AQAP militants in Bi’ir Shoudqa, Wadi Obeida area of Marib governorate, on June 28th 2018, a single source (@huodhoud) claimed. At around the same time, Yemeni sources began reporting that an alleged AQAP jurist, Abu Bihr Mohammed Darama, was killed by a US drone strike. It is unlikely Darama’s

Summary

First published
June 28, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2020

Incident Code

USYEMTr221

LOCATION

الحصن المشرف, Al Hosson Al Mashrif, Al Bayda, Yemen

A US drone strike reportedly killed AQAP leaders Qasim Al-Raymi and Abu Al-Baraa Al-Ibbi as they travelled in a car through Yakla, Bayda governorate, on January 29th 2020. This was one of three alleged January strikes in which Qasim al-Raymi was reportedly killed – with his death in one of those actions later confirmed by

Summary

First published
January 29, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

March 16, 2021

Incident Code

USYEMBi001-C

LOCATION

حي جو النسيم, Jao Al Naseem, Ma'rib, Yemen

Local sources in Marib reported casualties among civilians as a result of a reported attack either by a US-drone on a car entering a popular market in Marib – or by a Houthi balluistic missile strike on the market – on March 16th, 2021. While @aalnaasi said the attack happened on Dahbeel station in Al-Naseem,

Summary

First published
March 16, 2021
Last updated
May 12, 2025
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Infrastructure
Car, Commerce, Market, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
7
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Houthi Forces
Suspected target
Unknown
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2024

Incident Code

USYEMBi015

LOCATION

شامير, Shamir, Taiz, Yemen

One civilian was killed and between six and seven others, including at least one child, were injured by alleged US-UK airstrikes on a telecommunications site in the Shamir area in the Maqbanah District on February 24, 2024. Anadolu Agency quoted the Houthi Al-Masirah satellite channel which reported that “a citizen (civilian) was killed and 6

Summary

First published
February 24, 2024
Last updated
April 3, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Power Station, Resources
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
6–7
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, UK Military
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Subdistrict
View Incident

Incident date

April 9, 2025

Incident Code

USYEM250409a

LOCATION

بالقرب من دار الرئاسة، حي السبعين، صنعاء, Vicinity of Presidential House, Al-Sab’een district, Sanaa, Sanaa, Yemen

At least two people were killed and one injured in an alleged US airstrike in the Al-Nahdeen areas of the Al-Sab’een district in Yemen’s capital city of Sana’a during the evening of 9 April, 2025. Houthi members were also killed and wounded, but the number is unknown. Later accounts reported that the “death toll has

Summary

First published
April 9, 2025
Last updated
May 15, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Houthi Forces
Geolocation
Nearby landmark
Belligerents reported killed
2
Belligerents reported injured
2
View Incident

Incident date

April 22, 2012

Incident Code

USYEM065-B

LOCATION

الحرقان عبيدة, Sanda desert, near Obeida valley, Ma'rib, Yemen

Three to four militants, including one of the most senior leaders of AQAP (Al Qaeda on the Arab Peninsula) were killed in a US drone strike on a road between the regions of Ma’rib and Jawf, near the Obeida valley on the afternoon of the 22nd of April, 2012. The majority of media sources, both

Summary

First published
April 22, 2012
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
3–4
View Incident

Incident date

May 17, 2013

Incident Code

USYEM153-C

LOCATION

المحفد، أبين‎, Al-Mahfad District, Abyan Governorate, Yemen

On May 18th, 2013 a drone reportedly launched three airstrikes in Abyan province overnight. The second of the three strikes hit the Al-Hada area in Al-Mahfad district and six people were reported injured without specifying if those injured were militants or civilians. A CNN report, also published by Mareb Press, was the only source found

Summary

First published
May 18, 2013
Last updated
May 22, 2025
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
0–6
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Geolocation
District
Belligerents reported injured
0–6
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr011

LOCATION

الصعيد, Al Said, Shabwa, Yemen

Multiple sources alleged that four al-Qaeda militants were killed in a US drone strike in al-Saeed, Shabwa province. Al Arabi for example reported that a car was targeted in Shabwa at dawn on March 2nd 2017, as it was travelling “towards the road linking the towns of Ahur and Shakra”.  There were no known reports

Summary

First published
March 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
4
View Incident

Incident date

March 4, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr034-C

LOCATION

الرحبة, Al Rahba near Moujan village, Abyan, Yemen

code: USYEMTr034-C
incident_date: 2017-03-04
status: publish
civilian_harm_status: Contested

Summary

First published
March 4, 2017
Last updated
June 9, 2025
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Infrastructure
Motorcycle, Vehicle
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(0–2 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
0–2
View Incident

Incident date

April 7, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr071

LOCATION

مديرية الصومعة, Al Sawma'ah District, Al Bayda, Yemen

A US drone strike reportedly killed two alleged AQAP militants in Al Sawma’ah district, Bayda governorate, on the evening of April 7th 2017. There were no known associated reports of civilian harm. Several sources – for example Yemen Live News – reported that the alleged militants were killed while travelling on a motorbike in the

Summary

First published
April 7, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident