The Houthis of Yemen attacked the presidential palace in the city of Aden, located in southern Yemen, on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of two guards at the site. This attack is the first incident in the ongoing clashes between the Iran-aligned Houthis and Saudi Arabia at the Al-Maashiq Palace, the headquarters of the Yemeni government, which is supported by the Saudis and internationally recognized.
Details of the Attack and Reactions
The Yemeni Minister of Information, Muammar Al-Eryani, announced that the Prime Minister and members of the government are safe following the attack. According to witnesses, loud explosions were heard near the palace. The Yemeni cabinet stated that the attack involved missiles and drones, resulting in the deaths of two guards.
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The military spokesperson for the Houthis, Yahya Saree, stated that this attack was carried out as part of the group's declared policy to target "Saudi reinforcements wherever they may be." The Houthi news agency, Saba, reported that this site was under the control of Saudi officers and included weapon storage facilities.
Escalating Tensions and Attacks by the Saudi Coalition
New clashes between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces have intensified since last month. Relief agencies have also warned about the deteriorating conditions in Yemen. Yemeni government forces launched an operation last week to retake areas controlled by the Houthis and successfully reclaimed land near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The Houthis continue to fire ballistic missiles and drones at airports, ports, and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, turning the country into a pressure point in the regional war. The Saudi coalition announced that the Houthis have carried out 20 attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh this month, resulting in the deaths of 17 people and injuries to 333 others.
Meanwhile, the Saudi coalition reported that it has destroyed 127 weapon storage facilities and launch pads in the mountainous regions of Yemen and has urged the Houthis to immediately cease their operations against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
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