Houthis Strike Presidential Palace in Yemen's Aden, Killing Five
SCMP · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
The Iran-aligned Houthi movement launched a missile and drone attack on the Al-Maashiq presidential palace in Yemen's Aden on Thursday, killing five people and wounding 16 in the first strike on the complex since the civil war erupted anew in July. Yemeni authorities confirmed the prime minister and cabinet ministers survived the assault, which targeted what the Houthis described as a Saudi military command centre operating from within the compound. The attack marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with the Houthis expanding their offensive from northern strongholds to the government's southern seat of power in Aden.
Key Points
- The Houthis fired missiles and drones at the Al-Maashiq palace in Aden, Yemen's interim capital, killing five people including guards and civilian employees
- Yemeni Health Minister Qasim Buhaibeh reported 16 people were wounded in the attack on the government's official headquarters
- Yemeni Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani confirmed the prime minister and cabinet were safe following the strikes
- Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated the attack targeted "Saudi military operations headquarters" in Aden
- The Houthis have seized territory along Yemen's Red Sea coastline in recent weeks, with a Saudi-backed counteroffensive failing to reverse gains
- Saudi Arabia on Thursday accused Iran of encouraging the escalation and continuing to arm and train the Houthi group
Why It Matters
The Aden strike demonstrates the Houthis' growing reach and offensive capability, extending their campaign from northern Yemen into the government's southern stronghold . The attack inserts Yemen firmly into the wider Middle East conflict that erupted with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, risking deeper regional entanglement .
The Aden strike demonstrates the Houthis' growing reach and offensive capability, extending their campaign from northern Yemen into the government's southern stronghold . The attack inserts Yemen firmly into the wider Middle East conflict that erupted with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, risking deeper regional entanglement .