45 government troops killed in deadliest Houthi strike since Yemen truce

Yemen's fragile truce has been severely tested as coordinated Houthi missile and drone attacks targeted military camps in the governorates of Ma'rib and Hadhramaut, killing at least 45 soldiers from the internationally recognized government forces and wounding more than 70 others. These strikes represent the most serious escalation between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces in years.

The attacks hit several military positions, including camps belonging to the First and Third Emergency Brigades. This marks one of the deadliest assaults since a UN-brokered truce significantly reduced large-scale fighting more than four years ago. Government-affiliated media reported that the strikes occurred while security forces were engaged in operations to secure strategic areas, protect highways, and combat smuggling and criminal networks.

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large-scale and qualitative military operation

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed the group launched a "large-scale and qualitative military operation" after detecting what he described as extensive Saudi-backed military mobilizations. He asserted that ballistic missiles and drones struck military camps and mobilization sites, causing heavy casualties and destroying military vehicles and weapons depots. Saree accused Saudi Arabia of preparing a new military escalation and warned that the Houthis would continue targeting Saudi-backed forces unless the blockade on Yemen is lifted.

The renewed violence raises significant concerns that Yemen could be sliding back into full-scale conflict after a prolonged period of relative calm. This escalation threatens to unravel years of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the country's decade-long war, which has already triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

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siege for siege