At least 30 Yemeni government soldiers were killed and 15 others wounded after Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on military camps in Marib and Hadramout on Thursday. The Houthi Yemen attacks mark one of the deadliest escalations in the country in years, raising fears of renewed large-scale fighting.
Marib strike targets government military camps
Yemeni government and military sources said several camps operated by government-aligned forces came under attack in the al-Ruwaik area of Marib and al-Abr area of Hadramout. Some of the targeted positions were operated by Yemen’s Emergency Forces.
According to military sources, the Houthis launched eight missiles from al-Jawf governorate, north of Marib. The projectiles targeted al-Thiniya and al-Abr in Hadramout and al-Rouk in Marib. Officials warned that the confirmed casualty toll could rise as authorities continue gathering information from the affected locations.
Yemen’s Health Minister Qasim Buhaibeh condemned the attacks and said they threatened the country’s security and stability. The strikes came amid growing military activity after several years of comparatively lower-intensity fighting.
Hadramout strike adds to Yemen conflict escalation
The Hadramout strike and attacks in Marib represent one of the most serious assaults on government-aligned military positions in recent years. Fighting between the Houthis and forces supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government has intensified in recent weeks.
The conflict had remained relatively subdued along several front lines following the 2022 truce period, despite the absence of a comprehensive peace agreement. The latest Yemen camp attack has renewed concerns that the country could enter another period of sustained confrontation.
The Saudi-led coalition previously intervened in Yemen in support of the internationally recognised government after the Houthis seized Sanaa and expanded their control across large parts of northern and western Yemen.
Houthi drones and missiles used in coordinated attack
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the operation involved a large number of ballistic missiles and drones. He claimed the attacks destroyed military camps, weapons depots and troop concentrations and caused hundreds of casualties.
That casualty figure has not been independently confirmed and is substantially higher than the toll reported by Yemeni government sources.
Saree described the targeted locations as part of Saudi-backed military deployments and warned government-aligned fighters to leave the camps. He also said Houthi forces were prepared to respond to any further military escalation.
US condemns deadly attacks on Yemen troops
The US Embassy in Yemen condemned the attacks and offered condolences to the families of the Yemeni soldiers killed. The US mission described the strikes as another act of terrorism against the Yemeni people and reiterated support for efforts to preserve regional stability.
The renewed violence is unfolding as tensions involving Yemen and Saudi Arabia are also spreading into nearby waterways. The Houthis have announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia and have claimed attacks on Saudi-linked vessels.
The latest missile and drone strikes underline how quickly Yemen’s fragile period of relative calm could unravel. With both sides increasing military activity and casualty figures still being assessed, the Marib and Hadramout attacks could become a significant turning point in the latest phase of the Yemen conflict.
