Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck a military camp in Yemen's southern Shabwa province with ballistic missiles on Monday, killing at least 53 soldiers and wounding an additional 200 recruits, according to Yemeni military officials and the provincial government. The recruits were reportedly lining up in formation for a training session to join internal security forces when the missiles hit.
The Shabwa provincial government called the strike a "bloody, treacherous attack" and a "blatant aggression on the security and stability of Shabwa province," urging Yemen's leadership and the Saudi-led coalition to expedite air defense systems. The head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, vowed a "firm response" and accused the Houthis of resorting to "cowardly terrorist attacks."
A Houthi military spokesman claimed the camp was targeted because it is operated by Saudi officers, asserting some were killed, though no evidence was provided. The Saudi government did not immediately comment. The attack marks one of the deadliest since a resurgence in fighting this summer shattered a 2022 ceasefire deal that had largely paused Yemen's civil war.
The escalation comes as the Houthis have demonstrated growing military capabilities, repeatedly striking Saudi Arabia's main international airport and seizing territory near a key shipping chokepoint. U.N. experts say Iran and its allies provide expertise, training, and sophisticated weapons to the rebels, though Iran denies arming them.
The violence follows a weekend of airstrikes blamed on Saudi-led forces that killed at least nine people, including five children and two women, in the Houthi-held northern province of Saada. Monday also marked five years since the Houthis detained more than 20 Yemeni staff of the U.S. embassy in Sana'a, which has suspended operations.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
English (US)·