Rising civilian toll worsens Yemen conflict as Houthi-Saudi fighting rages near strategic Taiz
Missiles and clashes reported
Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, said government forces destroyed two ballistic missile launchpads in Saada Province, a Houthi stronghold in northern Yemen. He also said coalition air defenses intercepted missiles and drones fired toward Riyadh and Yanbu.
Yemeni information minister Moammar al-Eryani said two Houthi missiles landed inside Aden’s international airport late Friday, as a passenger jet prepared to take off. Aden is the seat of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which Saudi Arabia backs.
Casualties rise across fronts
The World Health Organization reported at least 2,007 people killed or wounded in Yemen from Oct. 3 through Oct. 11. That figure was double the recent average daily casualty toll, the agency said.
At least 1,282 deaths have been reported since fighting escalated in early August. Clashes are taking place on several fronts, including along the Red Sea coast and in Marib and Jawf provinces, east of Sanaa, the Houthi-held capital.
Taiz holds strategic importance
The humanitarian toll has been especially severe in Taiz, a city linking government-controlled territory with the Red Sea coast. New clashes were reported as the Houthis increased pressure on the city.
Taiz is Yemen’s third-largest city and a strategic crossroads. Control of it would enable the Houthis to put greater pressure on government forces in the south.
Key points
- The WHO reported 2,007 people killed or wounded from Oct. 3 to Oct. 11.
- At least 1,282 deaths have been reported since fighting escalated in early August.
- Two Houthi missiles landed inside Aden’s international airport late Friday, according to Moammar al-Eryani.
- Taiz’s location makes it a strategic link between government-held territory and the Red Sea coast.