Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Fierce Battles Near the Mandheling Strait, High Ground Changes Hands Several Times
Intense fighting occurred between Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait over the past 24 hours. At least 19 government soldiers and 25 Houthi fighters were killed, with many others injured. Saudi Arabia conducted multiple airstrikes to support government forces, while the conflict remains in a stalemate with no decisive breakthroughs.
The Shah of Iran bought 79 F-14 Tomcats from the United States in 1976, three years before the revolution; after 2006 they were the last of the type still flying, the Pentagon shredded its own so parts could not reach Tehran, and this March Israel said it had destroyed the remainder on the ground at Isfahan
In March 2023, the Israeli Air Force destroyed several Iranian F-14 Tomcats at Isfahan in Central Iran. These aircraft, originally sold to Iran in 1976, were believed to be the last operational F-14s globally. The U.S. had previously dismantled its own F-14s to prevent parts from reaching Iran.
U.N. Report Finds ‘Reasonable Grounds’ for U.S. War Crimes, Iranian Crimes Against Humanity
U.S. airstrikes in February 2026 resulted in 150 casualties, including 120 schoolchildren, in Minab and Lamerd, Iran. The U.N. report indicated that these strikes were indiscriminate and violated international law. Additionally, Iranian authorities faced accusations of crimes against humanity for their violent suppression of protests, leading to numerous civilian deaths and executions.
Saudi Arabia intercepts a drone, debris falls causing 1 death and 2 injuries
A drone launched by Houthi forces was intercepted and destroyed in Taif, Saudi Arabia, on September 17, 2023. The debris from the drone caused one death and two injuries, with the deceased being Yemeni and the injured including a Saudi and a Pakistani, the latter in serious condition. Multiple buildings and vehicles were also damaged by the falling debris.
UK must focus on the Atlantic, ‘foundation’ of Britain’s security: Navy chief
The Royal Navy is enhancing its naval readiness to secure the Atlantic against Russian probing activities. Two British warships are deployed weekly to monitor Russian vessels, reflecting a significant military focus on the North Atlantic. A 'Northern Navies' agreement is being finalized among ten countries to create a persistent maritime force in response to security threats. The Royal Navy is also transitioning to a 'hybrid Navy' that integrates crewed and uncrewed systems.
Houthi Forces: Saudi Arabia's Airstrikes on Yemen 40 Times in One Day
Saudi Arabian aircraft conducted 40 airstrikes in Yemen's Taiz, Marib, and Hajjah provinces within the last 24 hours. Houthi forces reported shooting down a Saudi reconnaissance drone and using surface-to-air missiles to intercept F-15 fighter jets. The Houthi military spokesperson stated that the group has intensified its offensive against government forces and has taken control of significant territory in western Yemen.
Iran claims to have shot down the 53rd US MQ-9 drone.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force intercepted and shot down the 53rd U.S. MQ-9 drone over Geshm Island at 10 AM local time on the 17th.
The depletion of Saudi Patriot missiles in 2026 after a Houthi drone near Mecca tests alliances
Saudi air defenses intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca on September 15, 2026, highlighting concerns over the depletion of Patriot missile stocks amid ongoing threats. Houthi forces claimed attacks on military and oil facilities, prompting Saudi Arabia to seek defensive assistance from multiple countries. The incident underscores the challenges faced by Saudi Arabia in maintaining air defense capabilities against Houthi aggression.
Ahmed Al-RashidThu Sep 17 2026Loading...Houthi Forces Claim to Have Intercepted Two Batches of Saudi F-15 Fighter Jets in Yemen
Houthi forces intercepted two batches of Saudi F-15 fighter jets over Muhah in Taiz province on the 16th. The jets, which had taken off from Khamis Mushait Air Base, were forced to retreat before engaging in any hostile actions.
Houthi Forces Claim Attack on Saudi Oil Facilities and Air Bases
Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities in Yanbu and an airbase in Asir on the 16th. They claimed to have downed a Saudi F-15 fighter jet and an armed drone, while also intercepting Saudi F-15s in Taiz province. The Houthi group vowed to continue their operations until Saudi airstrikes and blockades are lifted.
Israeli Pilots With 24 Air-to-Air Kills Between Them Evaluated the F-14 Tomcat and the F-15 Eagle in 1974 and Reported That the Tomcat Could Barely Outperform an A-4 Skyhawk in a Dogfight. Israel Bought the Eagle. Iran Bought the Tomcat.
In 1974, Israeli pilots evaluated the F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle fighter jets, concluding that the F-15 was better suited to their needs. The evaluation team, led by Amnon Arad, had a combined total of 24 air-to-air kills. Despite being impressed by the F-14, the IAF found it underperformed in dogfighting compared to the F-15. Ultimately, Israel chose to purchase the F-15, while Iran acquired the F-14.
The M551 Sheridan ‘Flying’ Light Tank Has A Message for the M10 Booker and the US Army
The M551 Sheridan light tank, retired in 1997, was notable for its ability to be deployed by parachute alongside airborne forces and its potent 152mm gun. Despite its retirement, it remains the U.S. Army's best post-World War II light tank due to its unique capabilities. The recent failure of the M10 Booker light tank highlights the lack of a suitable replacement for the Sheridan's operational role.
Iran Ordered 80 Made in the USA F-14 Tomcat Fighters Under the Shah and Took Delivery of 79 Before the 1979 Revolution. By 1986 Only 25 Were Still Operational. Israeli Strikes on Isfahan in March Destroyed at Least 2 More, and Nobody Outside Iran Knows Whether Any Are Still Flying.
Israeli airstrikes in March 2023 destroyed at least two F-14A Tomcats at Isfahan, Iran, part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. Originally ordered under the Shah, 79 F-14s were delivered before the 1979 revolution, but by 1986 only 25 remained operational. The current status of Iran's F-14 fleet is uncertain, with no independent verification of how many are still flying.
A US Army Sergeant First Class Soaked in Fuel from a Burning Bradley Went Back into the Fire Again and Again to Pull Out His Soldiers While He Was Himself on Fire, Died of His Burns, and Waited 16 Years for the Silver Star He Was Given to Be Upgraded to the Medal of Honor
Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe rescued six soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle near Samarra, Iraq, on October 17, 2005. Despite suffering severe burns, he continued to save his men until he was unable to do so. Cashe died three weeks later from his injuries and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on December 16, 2021, after a lengthy campaign for recognition.
Israel’s SPICE 1000 bombs can soon drop from F-35 fighters
Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced that the SPICE 1000 bomb technology will soon be integrated for use with the F-35 fighter aircraft. This integration is a collaborative effort with Lockheed Martin, taking place in the United States, and is expected to be completed within a few months. The SPICE 1000 allows precision strikes from a distance of 75 miles and has been a primary munition for the Israeli Air Force.
Yemen’s Houthis shoot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet
Houthi forces shot down a Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jet over Marib governorate on September 16, 2026, using a locally manufactured missile. The aircraft was conducting a support mission for Saudi-backed forces when it was targeted. Following the incident, Houthi air defenses engaged additional Saudi jets, compelling them to retreat. This event occurred amid heightened conflict in the region, with ongoing airstrikes and military operations from both sides.
Saudi Arabia condemns and strongly opposes the Houthi armed group's drone attack on Mecca.
Houthi forces launched a drone attack on Mecca on the evening of the 15th, which was intercepted by Saudi air defense. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack, emphasizing its threat to the sanctity of the holy site. This incident marks the second attempt to target Mecca since July 2017, with Houthi officials labeling the accusations as false.
Houthi Forces Claim Two Military Operations Against Saudi Arabia
Houthi forces launched two military operations against Saudi Arabia on September 16, targeting the Aramco oil company in Yanbu and the Khamis Mushait airbase. This action was in retaliation for over 450 Saudi airstrikes in Yemen during the week. The Houthi statement claimed their strikes were precise, causing significant damage, and vowed to continue operations until Saudi Arabia halts its military actions in Yemen.
Yemen's Houthi Forces Claim Attack on Saudi Oil Facility and Air Base
Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on a Saudi Aramco facility in Yanbu and an airbase in southwestern Saudi Arabia on September 16. The attacks targeted critical infrastructure, indicating ongoing military operations in the region.
Foreign media: Hamas-affiliated Qassam Brigade confirms one of its senior commanders was killed by Israel.
A senior commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Nair Al-Atyeh Muhammad Abu Obeid, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah on the evening of October 15. The group confirmed his death, describing it as a cowardly assassination. Abu Obeid had been a member of the brigades since 1993 and participated in many significant operations.
