Houthi Missile and Drone Strikes on al-Makha Kill 7, Two-Day Toll Hits 18

Broader Context of the Strikes

The earlier attacks on Sunday morning killed at least 11 people, including eight military personnel and three civilians, and wounded 32 others, according to casualty figures cited by the AFP news agency. Those strikes caused extensive damage at al-Makha's commercial port, with The Associated Press reporting damage to port infrastructure, commercial goods and food supplies. Government authorities confirmed that buildings and commercial facilities were also hit.

The National Resistance Forces, aligned with Yemen's internationally recognised government, urged al-Makha residents to remain indoors during the renewed attacks, accusing the Houthis of carrying out indiscriminate shelling across the city.

Houthi Justification and Claims

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated that the operation involved a large number of ballistic missiles and drones and was launched in response to what the group described as a continued Saudi military buildup, including reinforcement of allied forces with weapons and equipment along Yemen's western coast and in Taiz province.

Footage broadcast by the Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV showed several ballistic missiles and drones being launched. Separately, Houthi political council member Hizam al-Assad claimed that continuing explosions, fires and columns of smoke observed at the port were caused by large quantities of weapons and military equipment stored there, a claim that could not be independently verified.

Current Situation

Yemen's armed forces have confirmed that most of the wounded from the latest attack have been discharged from medical care. The National Resistance Forces continue to maintain a heightened state of alert in al-Makha and surrounding areas. No immediate statement has been issued by the Saudi-led coalition regarding the Houthi claims of a military buildup along the western coast.