Houthis strike Aden palace

Aden Palace Attack

The Houthi rebels fired missiles at the presidential palace complex in the southern city of Aden on Thursday. Two government officials told Reuters that two security guards were killed, while Yemen's health minister said five people were killed and 16 wounded. Yemen's prime minister and cabinet members who were at the Maashiq presidential palace complex were unharmed, Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said, adding that the Houthis had fired five missiles at the complex. The Houthi-run SABA news agency, citing a military official, reported that the group had targeted a military operations headquarters run by Saudi officers at the complex, as well as weapons depots. Reuters could not independently verify the claims. The Iran-aligned group's military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said the strike was part of the group's declared policy of targeting "Saudi military build-ups wherever they are."

Houthi Military Strategy and Regional Impact

As Saudi Arabia backs government forces, the Houthis have been firing ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi airports, ports and oil installations. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki told reporters that the Houthis had launched 20 attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh this month, killing 17 people and wounding 333 others, and stated that attacks on Abha airport had killed three people and wounded 28. Mr Maliki said the Houthis had acquired advanced military technology with the help of "regional actors," including ballistic missiles, drones and explosive-laden fast boats. Iran has provided weapons, money and training to the Houthis, although Tehran has officially denied arming them in violation of a UN arms embargo. Meanwhile, the French Foreign Ministry announced Thursday that France is putting into action operational elements of an agreement to help protect Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists, though Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux declined to elaborate on the means sent.

International Response

The governing council of the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization condemned recent attacks on civilian airports, aircraft, and aviation infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki called on the Houthis to immediately halt operations targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, noting that the coalition had destroyed 127 weapons storage facilities and launch platforms in Yemen's mountainous areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who launched the attack on the presidential palace complex in Aden?

The Houthi rebels launched the attack on the Maashiq presidential palace complex in Aden.

What was the target of the attack according to the Houthis?

The Houthi-run SABA news agency cited a military official stating the attack targeted a military operations headquarters run by Saudi officers and weapons depots.

Were government officials harmed in the Aden palace strike?

No, Yemen's prime minister and cabinet members who were at the complex were unharmed.

Renewed fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces resumed in Yemen last month. Aid agencies have warned of rapidly worsening conditions, and residents of Taiz have reported intensifying bombardment and dwindling supplies as the Houthis tighten their grip around the city.