Houthi missile attacks kill 58 Saudi-backed Yemeni govt forces: source

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels killed at least 58 government troops in missile and drone attacks Thursday, marking one of the deadliest days in the country's four-year civil war. The strikes targeted troop camps in Marib and Hadramawt provinces.

“

the rebels attacked government positions with ballistic missiles and drones in response to an alleged military buildup backed by neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree stated the rebels launched ballistic missiles and drones against government positions in response to an alleged military buildup backed by neighboring Saudi Arabia. A military source confirmed that one missile attack hit troops during their morning formation at a camp in Marib, killing and wounding at least 45 personnel. Medical sources had initially reported 38 deaths.

“

killing and wounding at least 45 personnel

Thursday's attacks are considered the worst in Yemen since 2022, according to a military official. The defense ministry of Yemen's internationally recognized government vowed to respond to the attacks "at the appropriate place and time." The rebels have increased provocations against Saudi Arabia since last month, contributing to regional chaos amplified by the recent eruption of the US-Iran war.

“

our armed forces will respond to the attacks 'at the appropriate place and time'.

Yemen has been embroiled in over a decade of conflict, becoming a new front in the broader Middle East war. The Houthis upended a 2022 truce last month, welcoming an Iranian plane directly into the capital Sanaa and subsequently announcing a maritime blockade of Saudi ports. Last month, Houthi rebels killed 16 troops in an attack south of Hodeidah, escalating the ongoing conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands and created a major humanitarian crisis.

“

prepared to confront any escalation