Drone ‘Shawaz’ and Fiber‑Optic‑Controlled FPV Units Used in Bab al‑Mandeb Clash

In the latest round of hostilities near the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait, Houthi rebels deployed a new type of first‑person‑view (FPV) combat drone that operates via fiber‑optic cable, a system they refer to as “Shawaz.” The unnamed officer explained that these drones allow the insurgents to guide attacks with precision while keeping the pilots safely behind the front line. The FPV units have been used to target government armored columns and supply convoys, adding a high‑tech dimension to an already complex battlefield. Government forces have responded by intensifying artillery barrages and attempting to locate the hidden launch points of the drones. The presence of such technology highlights the evolving nature of the conflict, where both sides are integrating unconventional weapons to gain an edge. Casualties continue to mount, although specific figures have not been disclosed.