Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired multiple missiles at a presidential palace complex in Aden, Yemen’s interim capital, killing four people as the country’s conflict with Saudi-backed forces intensified.
At least five missiles struck the complex while the Prime Minister and other government ministers were present. According to Yemen’s Information Ministry, the victims included two security guards. Senior officials of the internationally recognised government reportedly escaped unharmed.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree described the target as the headquarters of Saudi military operations in Aden. He said the strike was part of the group’s policy of targeting Saudi military reinforcements.
The attack comes amid escalating hostilities between the Houthis and the Saudi-led military coalition supporting Yemen’s government.
Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki accused the Houthis of targeting airports, ports and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia using ballistic missiles and drones. He also called on the group to stop attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.
The Houthis, meanwhile, warned airlines that Saudi airports and airspace were unsafe, excluding areas over Mecca and Medina.
Yemen’s conflict began escalating in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa. A Saudi-led military intervention followed in 2015. Although a UN-brokered truce in 2022 reduced major fighting, efforts to secure a lasting political settlement have stalled.