Image source, UGC
Officials have reported that a missile attack targeting the presidential palace in Aden, Yemen’s southern port city, resulted in five deaths and 16 injuries. The main headquarters of the internationally recognized Yemeni government is located there.
Five ballistic missiles were launched at the Al-Mashiq Palace, and according to Information Minister Moammar Al-Eryani, the Prime Minister and other ministers are safe.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the attack targeted the “enemy Saudi-led military operations center” located in Aden.
The Saudi-led coalition continues to support the Yemeni government and provide air support to government-aligned forces against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
‘Cowardly Act’
Yemen’s Health Minister Qasem Buhaibeh said those who lost their lives in the attack included security personnel and civilians.
Prime Minister Shaya Jindani strongly condemned the Houthi missile attack in Aden, describing it as a “cowardly” act and a continuation of their criminal activities.
The government has pledged to continue fulfilling its responsibilities with greater determination and to carry on operations against the Houthi group along Yemen’s southwestern Red Sea coast and other frontlines.
Earlier, Houthi rebels denied launching attacks on Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a cruise missile launched towards the city of Medina, one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Military sources said that in response to attacks on areas under their control in the capital Sana’a and western Yemen, Houthi rebels have launched missile and drone strikes against Saudi airports, oil and gas facilities, and military bases.
A missile strike by Houthi rebels on Riyadh International Airport on Saturday killed 13 people, marking the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in the last decade.
Accusations of Iranian Instigation
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister has accused Iran of inciting the Houthi rebels to escalate the conflict with Saudi Arabia.
“Iran continues to arm, train, and support Houthi fighters in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions,” Raiid Kirmli was quoted as saying by AFP.
“We believe this recent wave of violence by the Houthis at the final stage of the conflict has been instigated by Iran,” he added.
Iran has not yet issued an official response but has consistently denied supplying arms to the armed group, claiming only to provide political support.
The Iranian Foreign Minister has expressed readiness to assist in facilitating any dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels.
The civil war in Yemen, which began when the Houthis ousted the internationally recognized government in Sana’a in 2014, has severely impacted the country.
The conflict escalated further after the Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in 2015 to restore the government.
Last July, the informal four-year ceasefire began to break down following Houthi-imposed maritime blockades and missile and drone attacks on the Red Sea coast and Saudi assets.
The Houthis have stated that their attacks against Saudi Arabia are retaliatory measures in response to aerial assaults on their territorial blockades and smaller airports.
