Houthi Rebels Kill 16 Government Troops in Deadliest Yemen Clash

Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a series of assaults on government-aligned forces south of Hodeidah, Yemen, between Friday and Saturday. The fighting centered on the Jabal Dubas area in the Hays district, where rebels targeted two barracks of the 2nd Zaraniq Brigade. Using snipers, drones, and mortars, the rebels briefly seized positions before government forces repelled the attack.

Casualty reports varied, with military officials initially citing 14 government deaths, while medical officials and other reports confirmed 16 troops were killed and 22 wounded. Minister of State Walid Al-Qudaimi reported that at least 50 Houthi operatives were killed and dozens more injured. An officer described the incident as the deadliest Houthi attack in years, and Al-Qudaimi noted the rebels employed "suicide attacks" to advance.

The escalation coincides with Houthi threats to target Saudi Arabian airports and infrastructure, alleging the kingdom blocked an Iranian aircraft from landing. Additionally, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported a Sunday attack on a cargo ship by armed assailants in a skiff 30 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah; the vessel and crew remained safe.

Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi has since coordinated with military leadership to maintain readiness. These events threaten the stability of the United Nations-brokered truce that has been in place since April 2022.