Scores killed as Houthis, Saudi Arabia trade attacks

On Thursday, a resurgence in hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis left numerous combatants dead in Yemen. Saudi Arabia reported its first death since the renewed conflict began, while its allies sought to curb the group's recent advances. The sides have been entangled in violent exchanges since Yemen's civil war reignited, with the Houthis launching a new offensive that saw them seize control of the Red Sea coast.

At least 23 government soldiers perished in missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis in two southwestern provinces within a 24-hour span, according to a government military official. Simultaneously, the Houthis claimed to have downed a Saudi fighter jet and reported 40 of their fighters killed during the same period.

In Taif governorate, a drone strike resulted in one fatality, two injuries, and damage to several buildings and vehicles. The Saudi civil defence agency disclosed the details, emphasizing that the deceased was a Yemeni national. Images from Saudi state media depicted shattered windows in cars and shops, alongside damaged structures.

Earlier that day, Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of attempting a "cowardly" drone attack on Makkah, Islam's holiest city, which the group denied. The European Union expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, condemning the recent Houthi strikes and urging the group to halt all military action, stating that targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable.

Simultaneously, the Houthis reported Saudi warplanes having targeted three telecommunications towers in Taiz province, resulting in one civilian death and another injury in Abs. Later reports emerged that three children were killed and several Yemeni nationals injured in strikes by Saudi-backed mercenaries, reportedly targeting the same area.

The Houthis have been alleging dozens of daily Saudi strikes since launching their offensive and capturing strategic areas overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial shipping route for Gulf oil and gas.