Houthi fighters have targeted Al-Maashiq Presidential Palace in Aden, the southern Yemeni port city that serves as the headquarters of the internationally recognised government. Initial reports said two security personnel were killed, but subsequent reports put the death toll at five, with 16 others injured.

Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said five ballistic missiles struck the palace complex on Thursday, October 15. Prime Minister Shaya Mohsen Zindani and other cabinet members were reported safe following the attack, although several people were killed or injured.

Houthis Claim They Targeted Saudi Military Headquarters

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had targeted a military operations headquarters in Aden associated with Saudi-led forces. The Houthis have described Saudi military positions as legitimate targets amid the escalating conflict.

Yemen’s internationally recognised government condemned the attack. Prime Minister Shaya Mohsen Zindani described it as a cowardly act and said the assault would not disrupt the government’s work or weaken the morale of forces fighting the Houthis.

Zindani also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing operations against Houthi forces across the country’s various front lines.

Attack Raises Fears of Further Escalation

Saudi Arabia leads a coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government and providing air support to pro-government forces fighting the Houthis. The Iran-backed Houthi movement controls the capital, Sanaa, and several areas in western Yemen.

The strike on the presidential palace in Aden marks a significant escalation in the conflict and raises concerns about further violence between the opposing sides.

While initial reports cited two deaths, subsequent reporting indicated that five people had been killed and 16 injured. The prime minister and other senior government officials were reported unharmed.