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.
Gen Turaiq told the Abu Dhabi-based The National newspaper on 14 November that the first missile was shot down late the previous day in the Al-Gofainah area and a second was intercepted before it hit the building hosting the control centre for forces operating in Marib and Al-Baydah provinces.
Ansar Allah, the Zaydi group the coalition is trying to defeat, has claimed several ballistic missile attacks since the Saudi-led military intervention began in March, but did not report carrying out any attacks on 14 November.
The National reported that the UAE deployed Patriot batteries to Marib soon after a ballistic missile attack killed 52 Emirati soldiers and 15 soldiers from other coalition countries on 4 September in the Safir area on 4 September. Ansar Allah released a video showing an OTR-21 Tochka tactical ballistic missile being launched when it claimed responsibility for the attack.
Airbus Defence and Space satellite imagery obtained by IHS Jane's showed two Patriot fire units, each with just two launchers, deployed at the Safir airstrip in Marib province on 1 October.
Want to read more? For analysis on this article and access to all our insight content, please enquire about our subscription options ihs.com/contact
