Yemen’s Houthis launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks on the Red Sea port city of al-Makha, also known as Mocha, on Sunday evening. The renewed assault came less than 24 hours after an earlier barrage killed at least 11 people and wounded 32 others.
Yemeni government forces said air defences intercepted six drones during the later attack, while two ballistic missiles fell into the sea without hitting their targets. The National Resistance Forces urged residents to remain indoors during the assault.
What was hit and what was intercepted
The earlier strikes damaged al-Makha’s commercial port, including buildings and commercial facilities, according to government authorities. The Associated Press reported damage to port infrastructure, commercial goods and food supplies.
Government forces also said they intercepted and destroyed an unmanned explosive boat approaching the commercial port. Footage broadcast by Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV showed several ballistic missiles and drones being launched.
Related coverage: Yemen faces renewed war threat after Houthi attacks.
Who was killed in the earlier barrage
The latest toll cited by the AFP news agency was at least 11 people killed, including eight military personnel and three civilians, with 32 others wounded. The fatalities were reported after the earlier Sunday attack on al-Makha and its port.
Why the Houthis said they attacked
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the operation targeted Saudi troop concentrations and weapon depots in the area, according to Reuters. The Houthis said the assault was a response to an alleged continued Saudi military buildup, including weapons and equipment sent to allied forces along Yemen’s western coast and in Taiz province.
The escalation also reached the al-Khokha district south of Hodeidah. Al-Jumhuriya television reported that Hodeidah’s government-appointed governor, al-Hassan Taher, survived an assassination attempt after a Houthi ballistic missile struck his residence there.
More context: Yemen counterattacks Houthi positions as Marib violence rises.
Also read: Houthi attacks deepen Yemen-Saudi Arabia tensions.
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