OrganisationYE
National Resistance Forces
Yemeni government-allied armed group; two members killed in the 11 August Bab el-Mandeb strike.
Last refreshed: 12 August 2026
Key Question
Two allied fighters died defending a ship in the Bab el-Mandeb; who are the National Resistance Forces?
Timeline for National Resistance Forces
#169 10 Aug
Six dead in the Bab el-Mandeb
Iran Conflict 2026Background
National Resistance Forces is a Yemeni armed group aligned with Yemen's internationally recognised government. On 11 August 2026, two of its members were among six people killed when Houthi forces fired ballistic missiles at a cargo vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Associated Press, citing Yemen's transport ministry, reported the dead as four crew members and two National Resistance Forces personnel; Al Jazeera's account of the same strike differs on the vessel's identity and ownership.
Common Questions
What are the National Resistance Forces in Yemen?
National Resistance Forces is a Yemeni armed group aligned with Yemen's internationally recognised government.Source: Associated Press
Were National Resistance Forces fighters killed in the Bab el-Mandeb attack?
Yes. Associated Press, citing Yemen's transport ministry, reported two National Resistance Forces personnel among the six killed on 11 August 2026.Source: Associated Press
How many National Resistance Forces personnel died in the 11 August Bab el-Mandeb strike?
Two, according to Associated Press citing Yemen's transport ministry, out of six people killed in total.Source: Associated Press
Is the National Resistance Forces part of Yemen's government?
No. It is a Yemeni armed group aligned with Yemen's internationally recognised government, not a formal government branch.Source: Associated Press
How the World Sees Them
Houthis
Regard National Resistance Forces as combatants aligned with the anti-Houthi coalition in Yemen's Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb theatre.
Fired the missiles that killed two of its personnel on 11 August 2026.
Yemen's internationally recognised government
Counts National Resistance Forces among the armed groups aligned with it against the Houthis.
Has issued no public statement on the 11 August deaths reported by Associated Press.