Houthis attack Yemeni government headquarters; five killed, PM and Ministers safe

ADEN: Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile and drone attack on Al-Maashiq Presidential Palace in the southern port city of Aden, killing five security personnel and injuring 16 others, according to Yemeni health officials. The palace complex serves as the headquarters of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani and several cabinet ministers were in the palace complex at the time of the attack but escaped unharmed, according to Yemeni government officials.

The Houthis said they had targeted a Saudi military operations headquarters, command centres and weapons depots in the vicinity of the palace. The attack came amid renewed hostilities between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Yemen’s civil war began in 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa. Saudi-led military intervention followed in 2015. The Houthis control Sanaa and much of northern Yemen, while the internationally recognised government maintains control over Aden and other areas.

Saudi fighter jet reportedly hit

The Houthis claimed that a surface-to-air missile struck a Saudi Eurofighter Typhoon over Saada province in northern Yemen.
Meanwhile, Yemen Press Agency, citing Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, reported that Saudi aircraft had carried out 65 air and missile strikes across several Yemeni governorates in the preceding 24 hours.
Saudi-led coalition authorities have also reported Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. Aerial attacks on both Riyadh and Yanbu were repelled.

Indian Umrah pilgrims advised to prepare for disruptions

The Indian Consulate General in Jeddah advised Indian nationals planning to perform Umrah to account for possible flight disruptions between India and Saudi Arabia, particularly through Jeddah and Medina. Travellers were advised to review their plans in view of possible cancellations and the risk of an extended stay.