Military Camps Struck in Marib and Hadramout Provinces
At least 30 Yemeni government troops died during Houthi missile and drone strikes on military camps in Marib and Hadramout provinces, government sources reported, adding that the death toll could climb to 58. The Houthi movement stated they executed the barrage after observing a substantial Saudi military buildup in the area. According to the Houthi movement, the strikes destroyed military camps, weapons depots, and vehicles.
In response to the violence, Yemen’s defence ministry issued a statement declaring that its armed forces would respond to the attacks “at the appropriate place and time.” Meanwhile, the country’s health minister directed medical facilities to raise their operational readiness to treat the wounded soldiers.
Regional Offensive Preparations and Red Sea Security
Yemeni sources report that Saudi Arabia appears to be preparing for a major military offensive against the Houthis by sea and potentially by land in central Yemen. The suspected objective is breaking the Houthi chokehold on Saudi oil exports moving through the southern Red Sea. The Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital Sana’a and much of the Red Sea coastline, declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea last month, disrupting an uneasy status quo.
Did You Know? Before the current conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began in February, approximately one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas passed through the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf.
Civilian Casualties Reported in Southern Najran Province
A separate attack in southern Najran province injured 11 civilians, including a four-year-old child, after the Houthis indiscriminately shelled civilian areas, according to a Saudi official. Major General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led military coalition supporting Yemen’s government, stated that the coalition will continue taking all necessary measures to protect civilians. The wounded include seven Saudi nationals, one Yemeni, two Egyptians, and one Pakistani national, according to al-Maliki.
Neither the Houthis nor Iran issued an immediate comment regarding the Friday shelling in Najran.
Coordinated Attack Warnings and Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy
A senior Saudi official speaking on condition of anonymity warned on Thursday that the kingdom expects imminent coordinated attacks from the north and south. These operations are anticipated to involve Iraqi militias and the Houthis under the supervision of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Intelligence reports from Saudi Arabia, the United States, and regional partners indicate potential targeting of civilian and economic infrastructure, including energy facilities, ports, and airports, according to the official, who noted that drones and missiles have been observed moving into position.
Concurrently, Iran and Oman announced that negotiations over a regulatory agreement for the Strait of Hormuz are in their final drafting stage. The prospective pact likely depends on the US lifting its blockade on Iranian ports, a move that would ease maritime transit for global energy supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who carried out the military camp attacks in Yemen?
Iran-aligned Houthi rebels carried out the missile and drone strikes on military camps in Marib and Hadramout provinces, according to Yemeni government sources.
What triggered the recent Houthi strikes according to the group?
The Houthis stated they launched the missile and drone operations after observing a large Saudi military buildup near Marib and Hadramout.
Which diplomatic talks are currently in their final stage?
Iran and Oman are in the final drafting stage of an agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz, which is tied to potential US actions regarding blocks on Iranian ports.
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