Yemen's Government Reports Houthi Attack on al-Makha Kills at Least Four

Yemen's internationally recognized government announced that Houthi rebels launched an attack on the Red Sea port city of al-Makha, resulting in the deaths of at least four people. The government reported that six ballistic missiles struck the city on Friday, targeting civilian infrastructure and national assets at the port.

Initial reports indicated that four civilians were killed and several fishing boats were set on fire. However, an unnamed military official from the Yemeni government told AFP news agency that the strike killed at least eight people, including two security personnel. The armed forces aligned with the government stated the attack aimed at civilian infrastructure.

This escalation coincides with heightened regional tensions, particularly concerning the US-Israel conflict and the Houthis' involvement. The Iran-aligned group has emerged as a significant front in this broader regional dynamic, raising concerns about a potential return to large-scale conflict within Yemen.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they targeted buildups, weapons, and warships belonging to Saudi-backed forces and "mercenaries" in al-Makha with numerous ballistic missiles. They asserted that boats and weapons were destroyed. Separately, Houthi-run SABA news agency reported a drone attack on an Aramco facility in Saudi Arabia's Najran, which they described as a response to Saudi military aircraft entering Yemeni airspace.