Houthis Strike Aden Presidential Palace and Saudi Infrastructure
Houthis launched missile attacks on the Yemeni presidential palace in Aden and Saudi airports, prompting retaliatory coalition strikes on weapons smuggling and energy sites.
The Houthis launched a missile attack on the Al Maashiq presidential palace in Aden, Yemen, killing five security personnel and injuring 16 others. This assault marks the first time the rebels have targeted the seat of the internationally recognized government since fighting resumed last month. The group also targeted Aden International Airport as part of a wider escalation following the collapse of a 2022 truce.
Simultaneously, the Houthis executed a series of missile and drone strikes against Saudi Arabia, targeting infrastructure in Riyadh, Abha, Jazan, and Najran. Since October 6, these attacks have killed at least 20 people and injured nearly 400, with a significant strike hitting King Khalid International Airport on October 10. The Saudi-led coalition intercepted a ballistic missile headed for the oil hub of Yanbu and released footage of airstrikes targeting a Houthi weapons-smuggling operation in the port city of Hodeidah.
In response, the Government of Saudi Arabia conducted strikes against energy facilities in Sanaa, causing massive fires and explosions. The Government of Yemen has vowed to maintain operations in Aden and continue Operation Dawn of Yemen, a campaign to regain control of the country and the capital. The escalation has raised questions regarding the effectiveness of Saudi air defenses, including Patriot and THAAD systems, against Houthi adaptations.
