Homeland Shield Forces
Yemeni military force
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The Homeland Shield Forces[a] is a Yemeni military force announced in 2023 by the Presidential Leadership Council.
Yemen Presidential Leadership Council
Yemeni Land Forces| Homeland Shield Forces | |
|---|---|
| قوات درع الوطن | |
| Active | 2023 — present |
| Country | Yemen |
| Allegiance | Presidential Leadership Council |
| Branch | Yemeni Land Forces |
| Size | 45,000 soldiers |
| Garrison/HQ | Hadhramaut Governorate |
| Nickname | National Shield Forces |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Salem Ahmed Said Al-Khanbashi[1] |
Background
History
Foundation
In 2023, Presidential Article 18 established the group as a "Reserve force for the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces", Rashad al-Alimi will decide the size, operations, and area of the group.[4][5]
Operations
On 2 January, 2026, during the 2025–2026 southern Yemen campaign, Rashad al-Alimi ordered Salem Ahmed Said Al-Khanbashi, the governor of Hadhramaut, to assume command of the Homeland Shield Forces in the governorate and begin a military operation to take control of all military bases and camps under STC control.[1][6] On 4 January, Yemeni forces announced that the Homeland Shield Forces had recaptured all nine districts of Hadhramaut Governorate.[7] On 6 January, the Homeland Shield Forces entered the Abyan Governorate, following the withdrawal of the Southern Transitional Council.[8] On 8 January, the Homeland Shield Forces entered Aden from the Abyan Governorate.[9][10]
On September 13, during the 2026 Yemen offensives, the group claimed that its 6th Brigade had downed five drones during clashes in the al-Aghbara area.[11]
Strength
The Homeland Shield Forces have approximately 50,000 soldiers.[12]
Organization
The Homeland Shield Forces are divided into a brigade:
- 6th Brigade[11]
Notes
- Also called "National Shield Forces"