Houthi missiles strike Yemen presidential palace, killing five

What Happened

On Thursday, at least six explosions struck near Al-Maashiq palace in Aden, which is used by Yemen’s internationally recognized government. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in northern Yemen quickly claimed responsibility, saying they attacked a military operations headquarters with the “Saudi enemy,” according to the Aden-based Saba news agency. A Yemeni government minister told AFP on condition of anonymity that a Houthi missile attack on the presidential palace hit a command center for the Saudi-led coalition: three missiles hit the command center, and two missiles hit the coalition forces’ headquarters at the presidential complex, causing Yemeni and Saudi casualties without providing a specific toll. Casualty figures remain attributed and conflicting: an AP source said at least two people were killed and six wounded, while AFP government military sources reported at least four killed and 10 wounded.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The attack was a rare strike on the palace area in Aden as fighting has escalated between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition since Yemen’s civil war flared back to life in July. It is part of the Houthis’ strategy of attacking Saudi targets, including airports and oil infrastructure, which has rattled global markets, disrupted thousands of flights across Saudi Arabia, and complicated efforts to end the wider conflict. The reported Saudi casualties, if confirmed, could deepen regional tensions involving an Iran-backed group and a key U.S. and Gulf partner.

Watch For

Monitor whether the Saudi-led coalition confirms the command center hit and any Saudi casualties, and whether the Houthi military spokesperson, Brig Gen Yahya Saree, issues further claims or denials. Watch for possible additional Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, oil infrastructure, or Aramco facilities in the coming days, as well as coalition intercepts. The humanitarian situation in Taiz, where residents are running short of basic necessities, may worsen amid renewed fighting.