The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels launched a missile attack on government military bases in Yemen, resulting in the deaths of at least 38 soldiers. This marks the largest casualty toll from fighting between the two sides since a ceasefire was established in 2022.
On August 6, local time, the Houthis targeted government military bases in the central Marib province and the eastern Hadramawt province, according to reports from AP and AFP.
Local medical sources reported that at least 38 government soldiers were killed and dozens more were injured. Saudi Arabia-based Al Hadath TV cited military sources claiming the death toll had reached 45.
At one base in Marib, the casualties reportedly increased when missiles struck as soldiers were gathering for morning roll call.
The Houthi rebels confirmed the attacks. Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson for the Houthis, stated, “Saudi Arabia is preparing for an attack and is reinforcing its troops,” claiming that a large-scale precision military operation was conducted targeting areas where enemy forces were concentrated.
This attack has raised concerns that full-scale conflict could resume between the Houthis and the Yemeni government forces supported by Saudi Arabia.
Since the UN-mediated ceasefire took effect in April 2022, large-scale clashes between the two sides had significantly decreased. Although the official ceasefire ended in October of the same year, a fragile calm had persisted along the front lines.
Last month, the Houthis declared the end of the ceasefire, accusing Saudi Arabia of being behind an airstrike on the airport in the capital city of Sana'a, which they control. They have since threatened to attack Saudi vessels in the Red Sea and impose a maritime blockade.
The Yemen civil war began in 2014 when the Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sana'a. A Saudi-led coalition intervened the following year to support the Yemeni government, but the conflict has continued without a clear victor.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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