The conflict in the Middle East has taken another dangerous turn after Iran-aligned Houthi fighters launched a major attack on military positions belonging to Yemen’s Saudi-backed government forces.
According to international reports, at least 30 Yemeni soldiers were killed and around 50 others were seriously injured in the assault. The death toll could rise as rescue and recovery operations continue. The attack is reportedly the largest Houthi assault against Yemeni government forces since 2022.
Yemen’s internationally recognised government said military positions in the Marib and Hadramawt provinces were targeted. Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree claimed responsibility, saying ballistic missiles and drones were used against Saudi-backed forces in the Al-Ruwayk, Al-Abr and Al-Thaniyah areas. The Houthis also warned security personnel to leave the targeted areas.
The US mission in Yemen condemned the attack, describing it as another example of what it called Houthi terrorism against the Yemeni people.
Yemen has remained embroiled in civil war since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014 and forced the internationally recognised government into exile in Saudi Arabia. Saudi-backed forces have fought the Houthi movement since 2015.
The conflict intensified regionally after the Gaza war began in October 2023, when the Iran-backed Houthis launched attacks against Israel and maritime targets, citing support for Palestinians.
Despite previous military operations by the United States and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces, the Houthis continue to control large parts of northern Yemen, including Sanaa. The latest assault could trigger further retaliation and deepen regional tensions.
