At least 18 killed in Houthi attack on military camp in Yemen’s Shabwa | Conflict News
Houthi Missile Attack Targets Yemeni Military Camp in Shabwa
A missile attack by the Houthi movement has resulted in significant casualties at the al-AIam military camp in southern Yemen, authorities reported on Monday.
The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, launched three ballistic missiles during a training exercise, according to a spokesperson for the Yemeni government forces. Initial reports indicate that at least 18 people were killed and more than 30 injured in the assault. However, the deputy governor of Shabwa estimated that the total number of casualties could reach 40, without providing specific details on those killed and wounded.
This attack comes amid ongoing violence in Yemen, where civil war has intensified sharply in recent weeks. The Houthis have gained strategic territory along the Red Sea coast following clashes with government forces last month. As a response to these losses, the Yemeni military, with support from Saudi Arabia, initiated a counteroffensive dubbed “Dawn of Yemen,” aimed at reclaiming territory held by the Houthis, including the capital, Sanaa, which the group captured in 2014.
Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, confirmed that the fatalities included new recruits and vowed to deliver a “firm response.” He characterized the attack as a reflection of the Houthis resorting to terrorist tactics under pressure.
In a statement regarding the incident, a Houthi spokesperson, Yahya Saree, claimed the assault was aimed at a “Saudi-backed” military base, referring to Yemeni government forces supported by Saudi Arabia. The Houthis announced their intent to continue targeting such bases, declaring that any location with a Saudi-backed military presence would be deemed a legitimate target.
Earlier, Yemeni government forces reported conducting strikes against Houthi positions in the al-Aqroudh, al-Shaqab, and al-Sarari areas, located south of Taiz, which is currently facing acute fuel shortages and rising prices.
