Houthi fighters have launched a wave of missile attacks targeting key infrastructure in the Yemeni city of Aden and several locations across Saudi Arabia. The latest offensive marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has seen renewed hostilities since the collapse of a 2022 ceasefire in July. Yemeni authorities confirmed that Aden International Airport, the seat of the internationally recognized government, was struck by two ballistic missiles on Saturday.
The Yemeni Transport Ministry denounced the airport attack, noting that this incident represents the fourth such strike on the facility within the current month. In an official statement, the ministry warned that these repeated assaults pose a grave threat to the safety of civil aviation and carry severe humanitarian and economic consequences for citizens who rely on the airport for travel and essential goods. Beyond the airport, government officials reported that the coastguard headquarters and a secondary building were also struck during the barrage.
The Houthi movement has publicly claimed responsibility for targeting various military installations, including the al-Nasr camp and a naval military base in Aden. Meanwhile, the group denied reports from Saudi authorities that they had aimed projectiles at the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, characterizing these allegations as a fabrication. Instead, the Houthis stated their military operations were directed at Saudi airports, oil infrastructure, and a specific airbase.
In Saudi Arabia, the civil defense confirmed that two ballistic missiles were intercepted, with officials warning the public about falling shrapnel. The Saudi Press Agency released images showing a large, charred missile-shaped object that had landed within the kingdom. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, condemned the attacks as “heinous,” stating that the strikes demonstrated a clear disregard for the lives and safety of civilians.
The fighting has also resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The Yemeni army reported that a Houthi missile malfunctioned on Friday, striking a family home in Sanaa and resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Additionally, Colonel Majed Abdullah al-Nazili, a spokesperson for the Yemeni army, claimed that government forces conducted over 700 targeting operations across the country within a 24-hour period. These operations allegedly resulted in the neutralization of 300 Houthi fighters and the destruction of military assets, though these figures have not been independently verified.
Reports from Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV claimed that Saudi-led coalition air strikes had killed several civilians in Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah on Saturday. Riyadh has not issued an official comment regarding these specific claims. The humanitarian situation remains dire, particularly in cities like Taiz, where ongoing battles have placed immense strain on local hospitals and infrastructure.
As the conflict intensifies, the regional impact continues to grow. The recent surge in long-range strikes against energy infrastructure and aviation hubs underscores the fragility of the current security environment. With diplomatic efforts currently stalled following the dissolution of the 2022 ceasefire, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with both sides continuing to prioritize military maneuvers over cessation of hostilities.
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