Houthi Missile Strike Hits Yemen’s Maashiq Palace in Aden

Houthi rebels launched a missile and drone attack on the Maashiq Palace in Aden on Thursday, targeting the interim seat of Yemen's internationally recognized government.

The attack involved at least five missiles and drones striking the presidential complex in the southern port city. While Yemeni Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani confirmed that Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani and his cabinet members were unharmed, reports on the death toll varied. The BBC and France 24 cited Health Minister Qasim Buhaibeh stating five people were killed and 16 wounded, including guards and civilian employees. The New York Times reported that two people were killed, while Deutsche Welle specified that two members of the prime minister’s security detail were killed.

Witnesses described hearing at least six explosions, with security officials noting strikes near the palace gates and a command center used by the Saudi-led coalition. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility, asserting that the group targeted a Saudi military operations headquarters. He framed the strike as part of a broader strategy to hit Saudi reinforcements wherever they are positioned.

Prime Minister Zindani condemned the strike as a "cowardly" act but maintained that the government would continue its duties and military operations against the rebels. The Saudi-led coalition, which provides air support to the Yemeni government, reported that the attack coincides with a period of increased Houthi activity, including recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi oil infrastructure and airports.

International reactions followed the escalation, with the UN Security Council issuing a statement that condemned the "reckless" and "escalatory" nature of Houthi strikes. Saudi officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Rayed Krimly, accused Iran of fueling the conflict by arming and training the militia. Iran has previously denied these claims, stating its support for the Houthis is strictly political.

Background

The Maashiq Palace serves as the temporary base for Yemen's Saudi-backed government. This strike follows a significant escalation in regional tensions, including a Houthi missile attack on Riyadh’s international airport the previous Saturday that killed 13 people.