At least 45 people killed in Houthi attacks on government forces in Yemen

At least 45 Yemeni government personnel were killed in a series of Houthi attacks across the nation, according to government sources. The Iran-backed rebels claimed the attacks marked the beginning of a large-scale operation. The strikes targeted the provinces of Marib and Hadhramaut. This comes after a period of intense fighting last month, during which Yemen's internationally recognized government successfully defended against a Houthi assault near the port city of Hodeidah, resulting in over 50 rebel deaths and numerous injuries.

The conflict resulted in the deaths of at least 15 government personnel, according to State Minister Waleed Al Qudaimi. This occurred after a "heroic confrontation" that lasted for several days. Saudi Arabia supports Yemen's government, and while fighting with the Houthis has decreased since a 2022 agreement, the rebels intensified their attacks against Saudi ships in the Red Sea and Saudi oil facilities in recent weeks.

They cite the "blockade" imposed by Saudi Arabia on Houthi-controlled areas, including ports and Sanaa International Airport, as the reason for their actions. In response, Saudi Arabia has carried out air strikes against Houthi military installations and promised to safeguard commercial shipping, accusing the Houthis of acting in accordance with foreign interests.

This escalation threatens to reignite conflict in Yemen, a country that experienced a devastating civil war after the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. The war claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and led to Saudi Arabia intervening alongside an Arab coalition. Saudi Arabia has also established an international maritime alliance to safeguard the Red Sea and the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, which is crucial for Saudi exports, from potential Houthi attacks.