Yemen Houthis report multiple casualties in attack as fighting goes on

The Houthi militia reported that Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen's capital Sana'a resulted in several civilian deaths on Saturday. According to the Houthi mouthpiece television channel, al-Masirah, at least 22 people, mostly children and women, were killed after Saudi jets struck houses in the Bani Hushaysh district in Sana'a that are controlled by the militia. The airstrikes have been a regular occurrence in the conflict between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi rebels.

The Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health later raised the death toll to 25. Thirty others were injured in the reported bombardment, the broadcaster added, quoting a local hospital official. The Houthi-controlled news agency, Saba, meanwhile reported renewed Saudi strikes against houses and paramedics in the same area, but did not give potential casualties. The Ministry of Health's updated death toll highlights the severity of the situation on the ground.

There was no comment from the Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting the Houthi rebels in Yemen for more than a decade. Saudi Arabia backs Yemen's internationally recognized government. The coalition's silence on the matter has been a common occurrence in the conflict, with both sides often providing conflicting reports on casualties and damage.

The years-long conflict in Yemen has recently intensified again, amid the wider war involving the United States and Iran. The conflict has caused widespread destruction and a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis in need of aid. The recent escalation of violence has raised concerns about the potential for further civilian casualties.

Yemeni government forces, backed by the allied popular resistance, had repulsed a Houthi attack on the al-Aqroud front in the contested Taiz province in the country's south-west, pro-government media reported Saturday. The fighting, which lasted for hours, inflicted heavy losses on the Houthis, added the reports. There was no comment from the Houthis on the matter.

Earlier Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition announced intercepting a cruise missile fired by the Houthis towards the Saudi capital Riyadh. No damage or casualties were given. The interception of the missile highlights the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis to Saudi Arabia and the region.

In recent months, the Houthis have stepped up attacks on neighbouring Saudi Arabia, with airports and oil facilities among the main targets in the oil-wealthy kingdom. The increased attacks have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation and the impact on the region.

Key points

• The Houthi militia reported at least 22 people, mostly children and women, were killed in the airstrikes.
• The conflict in Yemen has recently intensified again, amid the wider war involving the United States and Iran.
• The Houthis have stepped up attacks on neighbouring Saudi Arabia in recent months.