At least 50 yemeni recruits killed in strikes as houthis fire missiles at government military base
Missile attack at al-Alam camp
The missiles hit al-Alam camp in Shabwa province as recruits were lining up before training, according to reports. The soldiers were members of a new Rapid Intervention force intended to defend the local area.
Military officials initially reported 30 deaths. The toll later rose to at least 50; the Associated Press reported 53, citing provincial authorities.
Hospitals face pressure
The provincial government said about 200 recruits were wounded. Shabwa deputy governor Fahad al-Khalifi said more than 100 people were injured, some critically, and that hospitals had been overwhelmed.
Al-Khalifi said some of the most seriously wounded were moved to medical facilities in other provinces. The differing injury figures were reported by the provincial government and the deputy governor.
Wider violence and response
The increased death toll made Monday’s attack one of the deadliest in Yemen’s recent uptick in violence. The country’s conflict between Iran-backed Houthis and the Saudi-backed government has continued for years, with renewed fighting reported amid the US-Israeli war on Iran and other factors.
Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi vowed a “firm response,” describing the attack as part of the Houthis’ conduct when under pressure. The strikes followed weekend attacks that killed more than 30 people in Houthi-held areas; the Houthis blamed Saudi-led forces.
Key points
- At least 50 Yemeni government recruits were killed in the strike on al-Alam camp.
- The Houthis fired three ballistic missiles at the camp in Shabwa province.
- Reports put the number of wounded at about 200 or more than 100.
- Weekend attacks in Houthi-held areas killed more than 30 people, according to the report.