Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched a sustained series of missile and drone strikes against the Red Sea port city of al-Makha (Mocha). This renewed offensive targets government-controlled areas along the western coast, causing significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
The latest strikes occurred on Sunday evening, marking the second major assault in less than 24 hours. Yemeni government forces reported that their air defense systems successfully intercepted six drones, while two ballistic missiles landed in the sea, missing their intended targets. Additionally, government forces confirmed the destruction of an unmanned explosive boat that was approaching the commercial port.
Earlier on Sunday, an initial barrage resulted in at least 11 deaths, including eight military personnel and three civilians, with 32 others sustaining injuries. The intensity of the attacks caused widespread destruction to port facilities, commercial goods, and essential food supplies, according to reports from The Associated Press.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the operation was intended to strike Saudi troop concentrations and weapon depots in the region. Hizam al-Assad, a member of the Houthi political council, alleged that the fires and smoke observed at the port were the result of large quantities of military equipment stored at the site. The group claimed the offensive was a response to an alleged Saudi military buildup and the reinforcement of allied forces along the western coast and in Taiz province.
The escalation extended beyond al-Makha, impacting the al-Khokha district south of Hodeidah. During the unrest, the National Resistance Forces, which align with the internationally recognized government, advised residents to remain indoors, citing the indiscriminate nature of the shelling.
In a related development, Al-Jumhuriya television reported that al-Hassan Taher, the government-appointed governor of Hodeidah, survived an assassination attempt on Sunday. The report stated that a Houthi ballistic missile struck his residence in the district during the broader campaign of attacks.
Earlier on Sunday, Attacks on al-Makha killed at least 11 people, including eight military personnel and three civilians, and wounded 32 others, according to the latest toll cited by the AFP news agency.
Footage broadcast by the Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV showed several ballistic missiles and drones being launched.