A missile strike by Houthi forces on Yemen’s presidential palace in Aden resulted in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to 16 others on Thursday, as reported by Yemen’s health minister. The attack specifically targeted military command centres located within the Al-Maashiq palace compound, which serves both Yemeni government forces and the Saudi-led coalition that supports them. This incident signifies a notable escalation in the ongoing civil war in Yemen, which has intensified following the collapse of a prolonged truce and the resurgence of Houthi offensives.

According to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP), a Yemeni minister, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the missiles hit command centres within the presidential compound. Yemeni Health Minister Qasim Buhaibeh stated that the casualties included both security personnel and civilian employees present at the site during the attack.

In the aftermath of the strike, Yemeni Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani condemned the assault, labelling it a “cowardly” act. He accused the Houthis of persisting in their pattern of targeting civilian sites and personnel. A government minister disclosed that al-Zindani was at the palace during the missile strike but fortunately escaped unharmed.

Casualties and Response

Reports indicate that the Houthis launched three missiles aimed at a command centre utilised by Yemeni government forces and two missiles at another command centre associated with the Saudi-led coalition. While the minister acknowledged casualties among both Yemeni and Saudi personnel, specific numbers were not disclosed. Houthi-affiliated media claimed that the group had targeted the military operations headquarters at Al-Maashiq Palace, asserting that it was under the command of Saudi officers. Furthermore, they alleged that weapons depots belonging to the coalition had also been struck.

In response to the attack, Yemen’s cabinet affirmed its commitment to continue military operations against the Houthis, whom the government accuses of orchestrating a coup. The cabinet also reiterated that Aden would remain the de facto capital of Yemen. The Houthis have held Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since 2014 and have expanded their control over significant portions of the country, prompting Saudi Arabia to lead a military coalition to support the internationally recognised government since 2015.

The conflict has persisted for years despite extensive military campaigns led by Saudi Arabia and a ceasefire that was established in 2022. However, fighting has intensified following the breakdown of this truce.

Escalation of Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

The missile strike in Aden occurs amidst a reported increase in Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. Earlier in the month, Houthi strikes on Saudi airports resulted in at least 19 fatalities, primarily in the capital. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, revealed during a televised briefing that the Houthis had targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 20 occasions in October alone.

Al-Maliki further stated that Saudi Arabia would persist in providing air support to Yemeni government forces engaged in ground operations against the Houthis. The ongoing conflict continues to pose significant challenges to stability in the region, with both sides facing considerable losses.

The situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring developments as the humanitarian crisis in Yemen deepens amid the escalating violence.

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