Heavy losses reported as Yemen fighting escalates

Fighting in Yemen has resulted in over 270 government troops and Houthi fighters killed in the past day, according to multiple sources. The conflict has intensified since the internationally recognized government launched a counter-offensive to reclaim territory seized by Houthi fighters last month. The violence is primarily concentrated in southwest Yemen, around the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait.

Government sources reported that 115 troops perished in the last 24 hours, with dozens more wounded by Houthi missile and drone strikes. Houthi military sources, however, claimed they suffered 160 casualties, primarily from Saudi strikes on Houthis-controlled areas. Overnight, Houthis reportedly targeted Riyadh airport and a Saudi state oil company refinery, causing loud explosions heard in the capital.

Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport has frequently experienced temporary airspace closures due to the ongoing attacks.

Saudi authorities have not confirmed these closures or attributed any strikes, but the civil aviation authority reported that three people were wounded in attacks on Jazan and Najran airports near the Yemen border the previous day. On Tuesday, the coalition announced that its forces intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Houthis towards Khamis Mushait, an airbase location.

In response to the escalating conflict, over 184,000 people have been displaced, according to the United Nations. The UN expressed deep concern over the sharp escalation in fighting and condemned the Houthis' cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia. Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia were advised to be cautious and refrain from sharing sensitive footage or unverified information related to the security incidents.