Conflict

U.S. Forces in Yemen

Incident Code

USYEM241

Location

Rafadh, Shabwa, Yemen

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: May 7, 2026

(Previous Incident Code: YEM211 )

Three alleged al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) fighters were reportedly killed in a suspected US drone strike. There are currently no known claims of civilian harm.

The strike was said to have hit a vehicle moving overnight across Rafadh,in the Shabwa province, according to local tribesmen.

A local security official told Lebanon’s Daily Star that they were al Qaeda fighters.

Reuters reported that the strike was in the Ruqot area, “a remote desert area where al Qaeda militants are believed to be operating.”

The US is the only known country to be flying armed drones over Yemen.

Key Information

Military Statements

U.S. Forces Assessment
Suspected belligerent
U.S. Forces
U.S. Forces position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media from Sources (1)